English Español Mary Immaculate
Catholic Church / Pacoima, CA

Sabbatical: A Time of Renewal

Sunday of Divine Mercy

The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, Hendrickter Brugghen, c. 1622

“My Lord and my God!” John 20:28

The book Ecclesiastes chapter 3:1-8 tells us that “There is a time for everything, / and a season for every activity under the heavens.” God is sovereign. Our activity in this world is meaningful as we rely on His wisdom, His timing, and His goodness. God offers much wisdom in the saying. God invites us to rely on His love, to renew our relationship with him by taking time away from the busyness of our daily lives and refresh our soul and spirit. After a time of prayer and discernment with my spiritual director and support group, requested has been granted to me by the Archbishop Jose Gomez to take a sabbatical beginning in at the end of this month that would conclude at the second week of august. I would like to use this time primarily to grow in my relationship with God, my priesthood and spiritual life. This would involve a one month retreat called the “The Exercises of St. Ignatius” that would take place in Loyola Spain. According to the policy for priests of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, A sabbatical for a priest is an extended period of time away from his normal duties for the purpose of renewing and enriching himself both as a person and minister. So in addition to the one month retreat, I would spend time with family and will attend some courses of Ignatian Spirituality. I am so grateful to father Walter and Fr. Jey for their encouragement and fraternal support. Fr.Walter will be in charge of the parish for the time of the sabbatical and ask you to keep us all in your prayers. As we come to the conclusion of this beautiful season of lent, let us open our hearts in hope in preparation for the most beautiful, most powerful and most amazing celebration of all: The Resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ! May God Bless You.

Readings of the Week

Monday: Acts 4:23-31-37; Ps 2:1-4, 7-9; Jn 3:1-8
Tuesday: Acts 4:32-37; Ps 93:1-2, 5; Jn 3:7b-15
Wednesday: Acts 5:17-26; Ps 34:2-9; Jn 3:16-21 or (for the memorial) Gn 1:26 — 2:3 or Col 3:14-15, 17, 23-24; Ps 90:2-4, 12-14, 16; Mt 13:54-58
Thursday: Acts 5:27-33; Ps 34:2, 9, 17-20; Jn 3:31-36
Friday: 1 Cor 15:1-8; Ps 19:2-5; Jn 14:6-14
Saturday: Acts 6:1-7; Ps 33:1-2, 4-5, 18-19; Jn 6:16-21
Sunday: Acts 5:27-32, 40b-41; Ps 30:2, 4-6, 11-13; Rev 5:11-14; Jn 21:1-19 [1-14]

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