Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!

It is with a heart full of gratitude and joyful anticipation that I introduce myself to you as I prepare to begin my ministry as your new Pastor here at Prince of Peace Parish, effective September 1, 2025. I come to you with humility, love, and deep trust in God’s providence, ready to walk with you in faith, hope, and charity.

Allow me to share a little about myself. I am Fr. Reynaldo Clutario, Jr., born in Tiwi, Albay, Philippines, on July 24, 1967. I was ordained a priest at the age of 25 on July 16, 1993, and have been serving the Church joyfully for over three decades. My journey has taken me from the Philippines—where I served as a seminary formator, chaplain, and pastor, to various parishes across the beautiful Diocese of Phoenix since 2005. Most recently, I had the privilege of serving as the Pastor of Corpus Christi Parish in Phoenix, where I spent nearly a decade of blessed ministry among a vibrant and faithful community.

Now, God in His infinite wisdom and mercy has called me to serve you, the beloved community of Prince of Peace. I echo the words of the prophet Isaiah: “Here I am, Lord. Send me!” (Isaiah 6:8). Though I may not know what lies ahead, I trust in the Lord’s guidance and your warm welcome as we journey together.

The apostle Paul’s words resonate deeply with me as I begin this new mission: “I give thanks to my God always for you… God is faithful, and by him you were called into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1:4,9). I look forward to discovering your stories, your traditions, and the beautiful expressions of faith that define this parish.

As I assume this sacred responsibility, I am reminded of the words of Jesus in John 10:11: “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” While I am certainly not perfect, I promise to serve with a shepherd’s heart-listening, leading, and loving as Christ does. I come not to be served, but to serve (cf. Mark 10:45), and to be an instrument of God’s mercy, healing, and joy.

My priesthood has always been rooted in this conviction: God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called, as St. Teresa of Calcutta so beautifully said. And so, though unworthy, I trust in His grace to sustain me.

To the faithful of Prince of Peace Parish, thank you for the opportunity to be part of your lives and your spiritual journey. I ask for your prayers, your patience, and your partnership. Let us build on the strong foundation already here and continue to make this parish a place where the peace of Christ truly reigns in our hearts, in our homes, and in our community.

With joyful hope, I look forward to meeting each of you, praying with you, and serving alongside you in the vineyard of the Lord.

In Christ the Prince of Peace.

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