“There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for every affair under the heavens” Eccl 3:1

Scripture affirms for us that all of human experience and emotion is within God’s time and realm. At Holy Family it is a time for goodbye and a time for welcome. We say goodbye to Cambria Tortorelli, our Parish Life Director, and we welcome our new Pastor, Fr. Albert Bahhuth, our new Associate Pastor, Fr. Andrew Hedstrom and the new Principal for Holy Family School, Jennifer Garzia.

Cambria Tortorelli has wisely and selflessly led Holy Family Parish for the last twelve years.  She was appointed by the Cardinal and served two six years terms in that role.  Cambria successfully oversaw many transitions during her time at Holy Family, including the many challenges of the COVID pandemic and shutdown.  While Cambria plans to remain a parishioner at Holy Family, she leaves her role as Parish Life Director with these words, “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as your Parish Life Director during these past years.  You will always remain in my heart and in my prayers.”  Please pray for Cambria as she begins her “next chapter” at the International Institute of Los Angeles as the CEO/President.

We are blessed and honored to welcome Fr. Albert Bahhuth as our new Pastor. Fr. Albert was born in Beirut, Lebanon, and grew-up in the Greek Orthodox Church (an Eastern Rite church in union with Rome). He moved to the U.S. to continue his education where he earned bachelor and doctoral degrees in chemical engineering.  In 1984 he moved to Southern California where he purchased and operated two Subway Sandwich franchises. In 1991 Fr. Albert felt a call to the priesthood and entered St. John’s Seminary. Many of you know Fr. Albert as the former Vicar General/Moderator of the Curia of the Archdiocese, who stepped down from his role last September.  Prior to his role as Vicar General, Fr. Albert pastored two parishes:  St. Finbar in Burbank and St. Kateri Tekakwitha in Santa Clarita.  He has been on sabbatical for the past year.

We are also delighted to welcome our new Associate Pastor, Fr. Andrew Hedstrom.  Holy Family will be Fr. Andrew’s first parish assignment.  He grew up in San Bernardino, CA, where he attended college. He joined the U.S. Army in 2007 and served in the Military Police Corps for eight years. Andrew has been in priestly formation at St. John’s Seminary in Camarillo for the past seven years and was ordained on Saturday, June 5, 2021.

Last, but in no way least, we extend a warm welcome to Holy Family School’s new Principal, Jennifer Garzia.  She joins us from the Diocese of San Jose.  Jennifer has a strong foundation as a teacher and many years of experience as a principal and leader in Catholic and international schools in the U.S., Brazil and Italy.  Jennifer is moving to South Pasadena this summer, along with husband Stefano and son Liam.

We welcome our new leaders!