Dear Church Members of OLMC Parish community, the Peace of Lord be with you always.

On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, I received an unexpected phone call from His Excellency, Bishop Michael Pham. After meeting with the Diocesan Personnel Board, the Bishop informed me that he has appointed me as Pastor of St. Adelaide of Burgundy Parish in Campo and Mission St. Mary Magdalene in Jacumba, effective July 1, 2026.

While I am honored, this news came as a surprise. I had fully intended to remain at OLMC for several more years, as this community was truly beginning to feel like home. However, after Bishop Pham explained the pressing needs of the Diocese, I accepted the appointment, drawing strength from my favorite scripture: “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am,” I said; “send me!” (Isaiah 6:8).

I am deeply grateful for the love, patience, and kindness you have shown me during my two years here. I will never forget Fr. Anthony, our dedicated staff, the volunteers, our various ministries, and every member of this parish community. You will be missed more than words can express. God is present in every transition, and I am confident that new leadership will bring new possibilities.

“Adroa Ma co tusu Emi dria Woro”! (God Bless You All—Ugandan Lugbara Language)

Fr. Gabriel Afeti

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Our newly assigned Associate Pastor will be Rev. Matthew Vasquez, who has served at Good Shepherd for the past two years. Born and raised in Brawley, CA, Fr. Matt moved with his family to San Diego just before high school. He later attended Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, where he discovered his vocation to the priesthood through prayer and college ministry.

After graduating with a degree in Kinesiology, he returned to San Diego to enter the seminary and was ordained for the Diocese of San Diego on June 2, 2023. He currently serves as Associate Pastor at Good Shepherd Parish and as Chaplain at Cathedral Catholic High School. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, dining with family and friends, and going on road trips. He looks forward to beginning his service at OLMC on July 1, 2026, and will continue in his role as Chaplain at Cathedral Catholic.

We are so grateful to have had Fr. Gabriel as part of the OLMC family for the past two years. Please join us in praying for Fr. Gabriel and his new community as we prepare to welcome Fr. Matt to OLMC.