St. John's welcomes new priest

As parishioners said goodbye to Father Raul Sanchez at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in February, a warm hello was offered to the new parish priest, Father Guillermo Preciado.

Father Guillermo was born in Guadalajara, Mexico, grew up and was educated at St. Joseph Seminary in Guadalajara from high school, college to the seminary.

“I knew I wanted to be a priest when I was 8 years old,” he said. “I studied philosophy and theology.”

Several members of his family are priests or nuns so leading a secular life was not that unusual for him. He also has an uncle who is a priest and two sisters who are nuns.

“My family still lives in Guadalajara,” he added. “My mother had 21 babies and I am the youngest of the family.”

His last assignment was at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Firebaugh in the Central Valley, a much smaller community. He said that he is looking forward to working in the larger community of Wasco where sometimes services have over 500 worshippers at an outdoor service.

He is a passionate mariachi singer and his goal is to be a ‘Father’ for many. He also has a Christmas village, which will be displayed during the holidays.

His inspiration is a small booklet entitled “Patris Corde, Con Corazon de Padre” which translates to with the heart of the Father.

The church holds indoor services with 25% attendance; however, at times there are over 500 attending the outdoor service. Father Guillermo said there will be 200 First Communion recipients this May.

“I’m happy to have this new opportunity to grow,” he said. “I like the city of Wasco.”

Parishioners should check the parish website for Mass times and language specifics, utilize sanitation stations made available throughout the area, wear a mask is required on the grounds and maintain social distancing. Parishioners are asked to follow the Mass rules upon entering and exiting and remember to bring your donation envelope.

The church is located at 1300 9th Place and can be contacted at 661-758-6688.

Spanish Masses on Sunday begin at 8 a.m. and noon and an English Mass is held at 10 a.m.