FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK……     SUNDAY,  JANUARY 16, 2005


Dear Fellow Parishioners,

Everybody likes good news! Some good news is ephemeral and doesn't last very long. But there is another kind of good news that is eternal: the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Good News of the Gospel is universal. This fact is underscored in our first scripture reading for this Second Sunday in Ordinary Time from the Prophet Isaiah: "I WILL MAKE YOU A LIGHT TO THE NATIONS THAT MY SALVATION MAY REACH TO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH." (See Isaiah 49:6.)

You and I belong to a "universal" church. That means that our responsibility as the people of God to spread the Good News reaches or extends far beyond the boundaries of our own local Old Mission San Miguel Parish. One effective means we have to fulfill this awesome responsibility is to participate full heartedly in the Annual Bishop's Appeal, which will be conducted this year on Sunday, February 13th at all the Masses. We have a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on Diocesan programs and development.

During this past year as your new pastor, I have been able to see first hand how we benefit from some of these programs. For example, I think of the Diocesan Liturgy Days that some of our parish liturgical ministers attended in Salinas this past year. I also think of the Diocesan Catechetical Day that many of our catechists attended. These experiences nurtured and encouraged our parish ministers in their ministries that are so vital to our parish life. I think of Sally Equinoa coming and giving our catechists an inspiring in-service day of reflection at the beginning of our religious education program last November.

That's why I am asking you to once again generously respond to the Annual Bishop's Appeal next month. When you generously give to this annual appeal, you demonstrate the fact that you want to continue to be part of that "CHURCH OF GOD...CALLED TO BE HOLY, WITH ALL THOSE EVERYWHERE WHO CALL UPON THE NAME OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, THEIR LORD AND OURS." (See 1 Corinthians 1:2.)

    Sincerely yours in Christ,

    Fr.Raymond J. Tintle, OFM
                 Pastor