St. Isidore has been a HOME for me for the last 10-months of my journey as a pastoral year seminarian for our diocese.

I will always remember the warm welcome and smile from all of you, the words of encouragement and wisdom, the support and the friendship, but most especially the love of God, the faith in Christ, and the reliance on the power of the Holy Spirit, that I have witnessed in every aspect of this community. Thank you for journeying with me and allowing me to grow more in my vocation, to be more aware of my own limitedness and potentials as a person, to gain more weight [literally!], and be pastorally prepared for my future endeavors as a seminarian, and in God’s time, as a priest who will be shepherding God’s flock in this diocese.

I want to SHOUT OUT my gratitude to the to the following people/groups who have been inspirational and  truly instrumental in my stay here as a pastoral year student: Fr. Francisco (our pastor), Fr. Martin (our vicar), Deacons Eldon & Ruben (and their families), Sr. Auxencia, parish staffs (Patty, Sandra, Jose Luis, Paula), My brothers - The Knights of Columbus, YLI, (brother) Ray Butacavolli & family, Señora Andrea Tapia, Jennifer Martinez, the school staffs with Chris Reyna, the Fil-AM Family Rosary Group, the Guadalupanas, RCIA team (the Vignerys, the Johnsons [‘johansons’], the Walshes, the Daughertys),  Moises & Alicia Valdez, Ruben & Margarita Fuentes, Rafael & Maria Moreno, Chilo & Leticia Valdez (Stephanie & Melanie), Chuck & Miriam Page, & finally, the St. Isidore’s Adult & Young Peoples Choir!

For those whom I missed in this long list, my sincerest gratitude to all of you! May God bless all of you and see you soon!

PS: Please pray for more vocations to the priesthood and religious life.

BRO. MICHAEL ESTARIS