Welcome Luis Pablo Ochoa Escárrega to St. George

09-13-2020Pastor's Letter

Dear St George parishioners,

I am so thankful to all of you for being so welcoming. This is my third week in the parish, but I already feel like I have been here for a long time. I was born in Nogales, in the state of Sonora, Mexico. I am 34 years old, the oldest of four siblings. I have one sister and two brothers. I also have two nieces and two nephews. I am close to my family, where I received my faith and religious values. Without a doubt, home has been my first seminary, and I am infinitely grateful to my parents for teaching me to become a man of faith and good values.

I got all my education in my hometown, and I was able to work as a schoolteacher in a catholic school before joining the seminary. At the age of 15, I also joined the youth group in my home parish. I was a little hesitant at the beginning, but this group would change my perspective on the Church and would bring me closer to God. At this time, I also met a young and joyful priest who with his love for his ministry and vocation inspired me to start thinking about being a parish priest.

In 2008, I joined my former seminary in Hermosillo, Sonora in which I did my philosophy, the first stage of priestly formation. It was a great experience and I learned many things about God, myself, the world, and my faith. After my philosophy, I took a time off from the seminary, and I went back to the catholic schools to teach and journey with students and their families. I am so grateful that I took this time in which I became more independent, matured, and reaffirmed my calling.

In 2016, I joined the Diocese of Tucson, and I moved from Nogales to Tucson in November of the same year to start learning English. I was an ESL student for one year and a half. During that time, I was also able to know better my diocese and to help in the Vocations Office. It was a wonderful time in which I met amazing people from different cultures and backgrounds.

In 2018, I was sent to St John’s Seminary in Camarillo, CA, to start my master’s in divinity which is a 5- year program. I have learned a lot at the seminary, but, first and foremost, I have grown in my relationship with God who is constantly calling me to become a holy, healthy, and humble man. I enjoy being involved in many activities at the seminary, and I also enjoy living in community. I am convinced everyone has something to teach and a story to tell. Last summer, I did my clinical pastoral education (CPE) at Cedars Sinai, a Jewish hospital, in Beverly Hills, CA. CPE gave the foundations about chaplaincy and the tools to manage my emotions and reactions while providing spiritual care to the sick and their loved ones. I am grateful that I did this program during the pandemic. It was an unforgettable and life-changing summer.

Finally, it is my hope to get to know you throughout this year in which I am going to be learning everything about parish life. I am so happy I was assigned to St George. I am praying for you and your family members, and I ask you to pray for me as I continue my journey to priesthood. Welcome to my journey!