A Very Important Announcement from our Associate Rector Reverend Luz Cabrera Montes
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me- put into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” (Philippians 4:6-9)
These verses read at my ordination resonate with me today. When we experience God, we experience peace. A peace that did not seem possible at the peak of COVID when Trinity welcomed Thanh and me on July 1st, 2020. I have learned so much about God through Trinity’s love, kindness, prayers, and generosity. Trinity was our peace when Sofía came into this world! You all have sustained us!
When we experience whatever is lovely and admirable, we put it into practice and share it with all. Trinity, you have been a living example of this truth. Today, with a heart full of gratitude and bittersweet emotion, I share with you that after much prayer and discernment, I have accepted a call to serve as part of the clergy at Christ Church Cathedral. My last Sunday at Trinity will be February 18th, and I begin my duties at the Cathedral on March 11th.
It has been an immense honor to serve as your curate and associate rector. I carry the love of this church and each one of you deep within my heart. Thank you so much for allowing me to walk alongside you these three years, preaching, praying, listening, challenging, and loving! You have invited me into your lives; you held my hand through my mom’s cancer diagnosis and Sofia’s arrival; you celebrated my ordination and, most recently, Sofía’s baptism. Starting my ordained ministry at Trinity has been an absolute blessing, and words fail to capture the depth of my gratitude.
I am thankful for all of the clergy, staff, volunteers, and parishioners of this congregation! I have gained invaluable wisdom from each of you. Rev. Hannah has been the greatest mentor and will always be a great friend! Father Henry has taught me that our stories are important to tell, and that God calls us to be troublemakers. Father Dale has taught me that prayer is an essential part of our ministry and that a positive attitude is contagious. Trinity has some of the smartest clergy in this church!
A sign of a healthy parish is recognizing that joy and pain can coexist. Though this transition is bittersweet, I know we will all continue to seek the justice and dignity of every human being wherever this ministry takes us. I am excited to continue serving God and this diocese in this new capacity and will always cherish the work we accomplished together.
¡La lucha continúa!
The Rev. Luz Montes
Associate Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church, Midtown Houston
