A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM FR. ALFARO, BLESSED TRINITY
Dear Parish Family,
This is the time of the year in which there are many momentous occasions. There are countless Graduations, Ordinations, First Communions, Confirmations, etc. All these events mark a new chapter in people’s lives. I would like to announce a new chapter in my life and in the life of this parish community. Eight years ago, the Lord called me to shepherd Blessed Trinity as your pastor, and this chapter is soon coming to an end. As you know, when we priests lay down our lives for the Lord and His church, we do so in order to serve wherever we may be needed. The Lord is now calling me to serve as a shepherd of another community of faith. I have been assigned to St. John Neumann Church, in Kendall, where I was parochial vicar as a newly ordained priest from 2003-06. My last day at this parish will be on June 13th.
Change is difficult on us all but let us take comfort in reflecting on everything we have accomplished in the last few years. You have responded to the call of being missionary disciples. We have truly become a parish that tries to Bring Christ to all, and we have begun to live our core values of prayerful, evangelizing and welcoming disciples. I thank you for responding positively to the many initiatives that we have shared together. It has been a beautiful journey.
The Lord has been kind enough to appoint an amazing new shepherd for Blessed Trinity, Fr. Matías Hualpa, who was one of my students at seminary. Before entering the seminary, Fr. Matías studied Information Systems Engineering. He was ordained in 2014, and as a newly ordained priest, he worked at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in South Miami. In 2017 he was appointed Dean of Men and Vice-Rector at St. John Vianney College Seminary where he has been serving since. He is an exceptional person, a good and holy man of God. I thank you for the welcome you gave me when I first arrived and ask that you welcome him with that same warmth, love and respect.
As we start this transition, I ask you to please keep Fr. Matías and myself in your prayers. Each of you hold a special place in my heart, and Blessed Trinity will be forever remembered as the first parish where I served as a pastor.
Know of my love and my prayers for you.
Blessings and prayers,
Fr. José N. Alfaro
