Dear Beloved Parishioners, Warm and heartfelt greetings to each one of you. As many of you may already know, our parish is experiencing a significant transition—one that brings with it both emotion and grace. Our dearly loved Fr. Paulinus has been called by God to begin a new mission of service at St. Helena Church in the Bronx. While it is never easy to say goodbye to someone who has touched our lives so deeply, we do so with profound gratitude in our hearts. Fr. Paulinus has been more than just a priest among us—he has been a gentle shepherd, a compassionate friend, and a true witness of Christ’s love. His humility, joyful spirit, and tireless dedication to our community have left an imprint that will not be forgotten. I want to take a moment to thank all of you who, despite short notice, responded with such generosity and affection in preparing a farewell celebration for him. Your love and collaboration truly reflect the spirit of unity that defines our parish family. Let us keep Fr. Paulinus in our prayers as he begins this new chapter in his priestly ministry. May the Lord go before him, walk beside him, and guide him always. May the same grace he brought to us now bless the community he will serve. At the same time, with great joy and hope, I am pleased to introduce to you Fr. José Mario, the newest addition to our parish family. Fr. José Mario comes to us from the Philippines and is also a Spanish citizen. For the past ten years, he has served as a Piarist missionary in Indonesia, offering his life and ministry with dedication, humility, and great love for God's people. Though he has just arrived, I trust many of you have already greeted him with the warm welcome that is so characteristic of our community. I kindly encourage each of you to take a moment to say hello, offer a kind word, or share a smile. These small gestures can mean everything to someone beginning a new mission far from home. In one of our upcoming parish bulletins, Fr. José Mario will share a few words about his background and journey, so that we may come to know and appreciate the richness of his vocation and his presence among us. Dear friends, transitions like these can stir in us both sorrow and joy—but they are part of the beautiful unfolding of God’s plan for our parish and our hearts. Let us continue to walk this journey together, anchored in faith, lifted by hope, and bound always by the love of Christ that lives so strongly in our midst. With all my prayers, gratitude, and affection, Fr. Jomon Joy
Pastor's Word - May 10, 2025
A Mother’s Day Message from the Pastor
Dear beloved parish family, This week, we celebrate a day that touches the heart of every home: Mother’s Day. As your pastor, I feel deeply blessed to serve in a parish whose very name—Annunciation—honors the Mother of all mothers, Our Blessed Mother Mary, who said “yes” to God with love, humility, and courage. On this special day, I want to take a moment to honor not just biological mothers, but every woman who lives with a mother’s heart. Some of you are mothers to your own children. Some are spiritual mothers, godmothers, catechists, teachers, caregivers, or simply women who carry in their hearts the tenderness, strength, and silent sacrifices that define true motherhood. And to all of you—I say from the bottom of my heart: Thank you. You are a gift to this world. In today’s fast-paced and often noisy world, the quiet strength of a mother often goes unnoticed. But in the Gospel, we see something powerful: Jesus didn’t only speak to crowds or perform great miracles—He noticed the small acts of faith, like a widow giving her last coin, or a mother pleading for her child. He saw those invisible sacrifices. And I believe He still sees them today—in every diaper changed, every tear wiped, every prayer whispered, every meal prepared, and every hug given when no one else noticed. Many of you are the ones who bring your children to church. You prepare them for First Communion. You pray for your families in silence. You hold things together when life feels heavy. You are the living hands and heart of God in your home.
And to those who long to be mothers, or who carry the pain of loss, I want you to know—your love still matters. Your nurturing spirit, your compassion, your care—these make you a mother in the eyes of God. You too are part of this celebration. Motherhood is not only about giving birth—it is about giving life, love, and hope to others. That is sacred. To the men of our parish: Let this day be one of gratitude. Honor your wife, your mother, your daughters, your sisters. Speak words of kindness. Do something small but meaningful. Let them know how much their love and effort is seen and appreciated. Dear mothers and women of our parish, I want you to know: you are incredible. You are spiritual leaders in your homes. You are role models of faith, of service, and of silent strength. Our parish is alive because of you. Our faith is passed down because of you. You are not only part of the church—you are the beating heart of it. So today, let us thank God for you. Let us pray for you. And let us ask Mary, our Mother, to wrap you in her love and intercession. From your pastor, with love and admiration, Happy Mother’s Day. You are truly a blessing to us all. God bless you always, Fr. Jomon Joy, Sch.P. Pastor – Annunciation Church