I FEEL so blessed! This has been my sentiment during the past days of Advent. I feel blessed because of having been a historic and significant part of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church for almost eleven years now, especially in its centennial year. These years of service went by so quickly; and every year brought many blessings as well as challenges.
I have grown and matured as a person and a priest in my service to this church. Obviously, it shows in the thinning and the whitening of my hair. However, I can honestly say that I have enjoyed this parish because of its many gifted, committed, loyal, loving, hardworking, and humble people. Many have become not only faithful parishioners but also friends.
In my quiet moments with God, I always ask Him to guide me as I lead this parish. He has never let me down. He has accompanied me in every project, ministry, and program by sending individuals to assist with me their time, talents, and treasures. Indeed, when I look back at the long hours of meetings on different projects and events, I tremble at knowing that God has given me strength, wisdom, and people to bring fruitfulness to all parish endeavors.
In the rectory, the dining room has become not only a place to eat but also a place to dream, to envision, to plan, to implement and to evaluate programs, projects, and activities. In the quiet of the night or the morning as I sit at the dining table, drinking tea or coffee, I reflect on the hard and successful works that our parish has achieved. We have done so much. We have become an outstanding parish.
Without ignoring other races, I find joy in seeing the Hispanic and Filipino communities grow stronger and solid. I have seen this in our liturgies, devotions, ministries, fiestas, social and cultural events. I find joy in seeing the two major communities working together in mutual respect and appreciation. .
Any priest would be lucky to be a pastor of this church. It has financial challenges, but many parishioners are full of faith and love for their church. Its wealth comes from the hearts of the people who are prayerful, caring, loyal, and hardworking.
This Christmas, allow me then to thank those who have contributed their time, talent, and treasures to our church, including those who live outside our parish boundaries. Thank you to all my friends in medical field, business, government, media, and entertainment. I pray that grant you peace, prosperity, and joy.
May the Child Jesus bring love and unity in your families! May you never fail to trust in God who is always with us! Emmanuel! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
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Reverend Rodel G. Balagtas attended St. John Seminary in Camarillo, California and earned his Doctor of Ministry in Preaching from Aquinas Institute of Theology in St. Louis, Missouri. For twenty years, he has been in the parish ministry of large multi-cultural communities. Since 2002, he has been the pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Los Angeles. Please email Fr. Rodel at [email protected].
