Happy Father's Day & Heartfelt Thanks to ISLC Directors

Dear St. Agnes Family,  

Happy Father’s Day! 

Matthew 9:36—10:8 portrays Jesus' deep compassion for the crowds, as He saw them like sheep without a shepherd. This Father's Day, we are reminded that the role of a father extends beyond biology, encompassing any individual who has played a father figure in our lives—those who have guided, supported, shaped, and fostered our growth.

Today, we celebrate not only biological fathers but also the men and women who have stepped into the role of fatherhood with love, care, and selflessness. These father figures, whether uncles, aunts, mentors, teachers, or family friends, have left an indelible mark on our lives, offering guidance and support during critical moments. Just as Jesus commissioned His disciples to go forth and spread the good news, these father figures have embraced the responsibility of nurturing, teaching, and inspiring us. They have provided a listening ear, offered words of wisdom, and taught us invaluable life lessons. Gracias!

On a different note, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude. I join our entire St. Agnes family in extending our deep thanks to the Verbum Dei Fraternity Sisters. Their selfless service at the ISLC for nearly three years has been a true blessing. We are grateful for the dedication of Sr. Ellen, Sr. Sara, and Sr. Julia. As they embark on new journeys, we will miss them dearly and hold them in our prayers. While we navigate this transition period, please be assured that the ISLC will continue with its end-of-the-year events. In the spirit of Ignatian values, we are planning a month filled with wonderful activities and opportunities for spiritual growth. During this time, we will refrain from making any major decisions, allowing for a period of discernment and reflection.

I invite each of you, my fellow parishioners, to actively participate in shaping the future of the ISLC. Let us come together as a community, united in our faith and shared vision. I encourage you to reach out to me and consider volunteering for a special task force. This group will engage in deep listening, prayerful discernment, and open dialogue with our St. Agnes community. Together, we can explore the current direction of the ISLC and collectively dream of its future aspirations. Perhaps we can discover new ways to fundraise, develop innovative programs, and find effective means of reaching out to a wider and younger audience attending our Sunday evening Masses. Let us embrace this opportunity to sow seeds of inspiration, connection, and spiritual nourishment among our community.

I humbly ask for your understanding and patience as we enter a period of transition in the coming weeks. Change can often be accompanied by challenges, and it is important for us to recognize the impact it can have on individuals. Therefore, it is crucial that we allow everyone the necessary time to process and adapt to these changes. During this time, I assure you that I will seek guidance, advice, and the wisdom of others. I understand the value of diverse perspectives and the importance of inclusive decision-making. Together, we will carefully consider different viewpoints and discern the best path forward.

My door is always open. I am here to listen. Please do not hesitate to reach out to me as time permits. Your input, insights, and concerns are valuable to me, and I will do my utmost to address them in a timely manner.

In Christ, 
Alejandro Báez, S.J.

En todo Amar y Service: In All Things to Love and To Serve.”  
- Ignatius of Loyola