Dear Friends in Christ,

There is a Place for a time; and a Time for a place. And my time for this place is up.

St. Luke’s was my home for the last 21 years, and you were my family for the last 21 years. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Thank you for welcoming me, for taking care of me, and for accepting me as I am. 

It is a great honor and privilege to have served you as your Spiritual Father through the years.

To those whom I have hurt or offended through my uncharitable words and actions I ask for forgiveness.  And to those who have offended me I also forgive. We met as friends, let’s end up as friends.

I would like to express my sincerest gratitude to all those who have worked with me and supported me in administering this beautiful parish, especially my staff, past and present, all the council leaders and members, all the different organizations and groups, all the volunteers, and all the wonderful people of St. Luke’s. May God reward you a hundredfold.

I will retire in the Philippines, but I will be coming back and forth. And I will make it a point to always visit you whenever I’m here in the United States.

Meanwhile, I’ll be staying at Mater Dolorosa Parish in South San Francisco until it’s safe to travel to the Philippines.

Farewell is necessary before we can meet again. And meeting again after moments or lifetimes is certain for those who are friends.

Thank you very much. Till we meet again.

God bless you.   

Fr. Jonathan Paala

Pastor (2007-2021)