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A Letter from Rev. Joseph K. Kalladan, Pastor


Sunday Bulletin - October 7, 2007


Dear Parishioner,
Last weekend it was exciting to see the set up done by the various Parish Ministries in Aquinas Center for the Ministries Day. It was quite encouraging to see the participation of parishioners after all the Masses. The tabulation of all those who signed in for the various ministries is being done and every one should be contacted by the Ministry Leaders. If by chance you have signed for a particular ministry and you have not been contacted within the next few weeks, please call the leader of that particular ministry or call the parish office. We do want everyone to be involved and to participate.

St. Thomas Aquinas Parish is truly blessed with a great number of parishioners who are truly dedicated and committed to their ministries that the Lord has called them to. Just consider George Cuellar and his team captains for the weekly Eucharistic Adoration: their commitment and love for the Lord to have adorers every hour! I can say this of every Ministry in the parish. They take place only because those involved love their ministry and do it for the Lord.
I’d like to bring to your attention a very important ministry in the parish that is done quietly and silently by a number of parishioners with dedication and love. It is the Ministry to the Sick of the parish, coordinated enthusiastically by a very dedicated couple: Willie and Mena Alaniz. They sent a letter dated Oct. 1, ’07 to all Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, reflecting on the recent death and burial of a dear parishioner, Jaime Jaramillo. He was paralyzed and bedridden for 10 years and always manifested a tremendous love for the Eucharist, and a very joyous attitude that was contagious. He was administered Holy Communion with regularity all these years by our parishioners. With their kind permission, I am adding the Alaniz’s letter because I believe, we can all benefit reading it.

Dear Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion,
The Jaramillo family expressed so much appreciation and gratitude to all the Extraordinary Ministers who ministered to Jaime Sunday after Sunday for so many years during his time of illness. The family asked that all the extraordinary ministers be informed of Jaime's funeral. Jaime's smile and positive attitude at a time of illness was to be admired. Jaime always expressed so much joy and love for the Holy Eucharist. What we admired most about Jaime was the beautiful prayer life that he cultivated during his time of illness. We once asked Jaime how many rosaries, he prayed during the day. His response was "one right after the other". We will never forget the way he extended his arm to less us as we got ready to leave the room. We believe that Jaime was touching the throne of heaven with his prayers. He was able to believe beyond his circumstances and trust in the power and grace of the Almighty God.
St. Paul told the Thessalonians to "Pray without ceasing" (1 Thessalonians 5:17). It is through prayer that we are better able to understand the mystery that surrounds our very own lives. Fr. K.K. presented a very beautiful and meaningful homily. At the funeral service, Father and Verna demonstrated so much respect and care for the family. We are very fortunate to have such wonderful leaders in our ministry, especially because this ministry is so dear to their hearts.
As we close, let us not forget that October has been traditionally dedicated to the Rosary. Let us pray that we become more proficient and passionate about prayer. Jesus may want to


renew our lives through prayer. St. Paul told the Ephesians to " Pray at every opportunity in the Spirit". ( Ephesians 6:18)

With appreciation and thankfulness,
Willie and Mena Alaniz.

I do not need to add anything more to what this wonderful couple is telling us. If you have the time, please do reread their letter again and be inspired by the sincere sentiments they have expressed so well.

May Mary, The Queen of the Most Holy Rosary, whose month of the Rosary we are observing, be at our side, so that we all can come closer to He Son, Jesus. Let us remember that She served Him with total dedication and love.

Prayerfully,

Fr. K.K.

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