Hi friends! 

I send you much love and prayers from the Church of Saint Peter of Alcantara!  We miss your smiles, conversations and most importantly, seeing your faith in Jesus Christ!  When speaking with my brother priest recently, we were reflecting on how our world, nation, and Church have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.   

One crucial element of our human family that has been missing is community.  Humans are social beings and need to both give and receive the love of fellowship within community.  That is why many in isolation have been struggling with depression and anxiety.  While the scientific community works on a vaccine, we must do our work on the most important relationship we have during this unprecedented time.  When asked what the greatest commandment in the Jewish Law is, Jesus answered:  

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.  This is the first and greatest commandment.” (Matthew 22:37) 

Jesus is quoting the book of Deuteronomy 6:5. Our Judeo-Christian tradition teaches us that our personal relationship with God is the highest priority in our lives.  This divine relationship enlarges the capacity of our hearts to give and receive love.  We can better love our families, spouses, children, parents, friends, co-workers, and strangers through this primary relationship with God.  Thus, although our social world has been affected through social distancing, we can still focus on our most important relationship.   

Ways to embrace this relationship during COVID-19 include spending time reading the bible, watching reflections and Sunday mass through our Facebook Fan Page (St. Peter of Alcantara Catholic Church, San Pedro @spccSanPedro), meditating and talking to God.  The most important act is just listening to God in sacred silence.  I believe during this terrible pandemic we are being invited back by God to a personal relationship with Him.   

As we approach the fall season our parish adult initiation program and children’s religious education will all be in session through distance learning until we are able to meet safely in person.  Please call us with any questions. 
Parish office no. (310) 831 5360  / https://stpetersp.org/

Finally, I want to personally thank all of you who have heroically supported our parish financially during this difficult time.  Through your kind generosity and consideration, we have been able to support the needs of the parish structurally and continue to have our staff available to continue parish work without any lay-offs.   
 
Praise Jesus!  I thank you for that and ask you to please continue your efforts through envelopes, checks, or online giving.   

May God bless you always and in all ways!
Fr. Joshio Lizarraga CSJ
Pastor