This Week's Letter from Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners of Pope St. John XXIII Parish Faith Community,

Welcome you to the 30th Sunday of the Ordinary time. Today, through the liturgy of the Word, we are invited to reflect the most important characteristic of Christian living, which is loving God and neighbor. The first reading shows what that love looks like. God’s people must not mistreat the stranger or neglect the poor and vulnerable. Love is not only a feeling; it becomes respect, generosity, and practical care. Pope Benedict XVI reminds us that love of neighbor is made visible in concrete relationships and generous help. The Gospel also reminds us that love of God and love of neighbor cannot be separated. We worship God here, but we meet our neighbor in the ordinary places of life: at home, at work, in the parish, and among those who may feel overlooked or unwelcome. Our care for them is tangible evidence of the love we profess.

Saint Paul praises the Thessalonians because their faith became visible in how they lived. Their example asks us: Who needs my patience, attention, or help this week? Perhaps the first act of love is listening. Perhaps it is forgiving, welcoming, or sharing what we have. We do not love in order to earn God’s love. We love because God has loved us first. So let us receive his Word and then put it into practice—in one concrete act of love today.

This is the last week of October, next Sunday is the beginning of November, which commences with the Solemnity of All Saints and the commemoration of the faithful departed. Hence, we also have a special obligation to pray for all the souls of our departed family members, friends, and also for the poor souls in purgatory. Please notify our proper parish campuses, where we celebrated the funeral of our loved ones from last November to this date, so that we can prepare for the remembrance of them in our masses on that day and throughout the month of November. The catholic church also has extended the possibility of obtaining the Plenary of Indulgences for the faithful departed throughout the month of November, by visiting the church or oratory and reciting the Our Father and the creed. Let us avail this opportunity to visit the tombs of our loved ones, offer prayers and masses for them so that God’s mercy could be obtained for them.

As we begin our Stewardship of Time, Talent, and Treasure, you will receive a detailed report of last year’s financial statement this week. I sincerely thank each and every one of you for your continued generosity, sacrifice, and support in helping maintain our parish and ensuring its smooth operation. Your faithful contributions are a beautiful expression of love for God and our parish community.

As we enter this stewardship campaign, I invite you to prayerfully reflect on how we can give thanks to the Lord by sharing the Time, Talent, and Treasure He has so generously entrusted to us. I encourage you to consider volunteering in one of our parish ministries and becoming the hands and feet of Christ in our local Church. Together, we can build a stronger, more vibrant, and faith-filled parish community.

I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the witness speakers at each campus who will share their reflections on Stewardship of Treasure during the Masses and prayer gatherings. Thank you for your willingness to share your faith and inspire others to respond generously to God’s blessings.

As we are blessed to have two parochial vicars this year and they spend quality time visiting families and elderly home bound members of our parish, please feel free to reach out to them, if you needed a blessing of your house or pay a visit to those homebound for the sacraments of reconciliation or anointing.

I sincerely thank all the event organizers and all of you for your participation in these initiatives of our parish. I especially remember and offer the masses in this month of November for all our parish family members, who have departed from this life that be granted mercy and admittance to the eternal home. Let us pray earnestly during this month for the repose of our loved ones as well as for the souls in purgatory.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Tuan Nguyen, D. Min

Pastor