Pastor Fr. Francisco&#039;s Sabbatical

Dear St. William Parishioners,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

I am writing to share with you some important news regarding a sabbatical I will be taking from August 1 through December 7, 2025. This time away has been granted for rest, renewal, study, and spiritual growth, a gift that I pray will deepen my vocation and strengthen my pastoral ministry upon return.

The sabbatical will unfold in two parts:

Mount Angel Abbey (August 1 – September 5):
The first phase will take place at Mount Angel Abbey in Oregon, a Benedictine monastery renowned for its sacred liturgy, peaceful setting, and monastic rhythm. This period will be focused on an Ignatian 30-day silent retreat, which includes personal prayer, silence, reflection, and spiritual renewal.

Rome (September 5 – December 7):
The second phase of the sabbatical will be spent in Rome. I will be attending the canonization of Blessed Carlo Acutis and Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. While there, I will take part in a program of theological enrichment and spiritual formation, as well as have the opportunity to visit the holy sites of our faith and connect more deeply with the life and mission of the universal Church. Our St. William 85th anniversary pilgrimage will take place during this time as well.

While I am away, Fr. Enrique will oversee the parish, ensuring that the spiritual and pastoral life of our community continues with faith and care. Additionally, Fr. Pedro Garcia will join the parish as a third priest to support the needs of our growing and vibrant community. I am deeply grateful to Fr. Enrique, Fr. Lourdhu and Fr. Pedro for their generosity and leadership during this time. I invite our parish community together with our staff to continue the mission of Encounter with Jesus. We will have a new evangelization retreat for adults that I hope many of you experience. With the quality of our team and our vibrant parish community, I do not anticipate significant changes to the formation or life of the parish.

Please know that this sabbatical is not a time of rest alone, but of intentional renewal; it is a retreat of sorts designed to help me return refreshed, with a renewed heart and vision for serving you. I ask for your prayers in the coming months. Know that I will be carrying you with me in my own prayers, especially during my time at the Abbey and in Rome. May this time be one of growth not only for me, but for our whole parish as we remain united in Christ.

Fittingly, my first Mass back at the parish will be in honor of the Immaculate Conception, which is the image of Our Lady I venerate under the title, Our Lady of San Juan. Know that I will place us all under her mantle to protect and guide us to her son Jesus Christ our Lord!

Ad Jesum per Mariam,

Fr. Francisco Rodriguez III
Pastor

-------------------------------------------------------------------------