Sunday, September 21st 2025
Dear Parishioners of Pope St. John XXIII Parish Faith Community,
As we enter the 25th Sunday in Ordinary Time, we are invited to reflect on how wisely we use the gifts given to us. In the first reading, we hear how the egotistic affluent cunningly use the cover of darkness to deceive and exploit the poor. In the Gospel, Jesus tells the parable of the dishonest manager. While He praises the manager for his prudence, Jesus does not endorse dishonesty or deceitful business practices. Rather, He uses this parable to illustrate that many who are motivated by selfishness and worldly goals exercise prudence with greater zeal than many of the children of light.
When it comes to practicing the faith, it is rare to find someone who devotes significant time and energy to daily prayer, studying the Scriptures, learning the Catechism, or reflecting on the lives of the saints. For some, Sunday Mass feels like a burden. Charitable service can seem undesirable, and the proclamation of the Gospel is often neglected. Yet, we are called to re-examine our goals in life, committing ourselves fully to the love and service of God and neighbor with the gifts and abilities He has entrusted to us.
In speaking about the wise and generous use of our resources, I sincerely thank our faithful parishioners for helping us reach our goal at the main campus. At the same time, I earnestly urge our community at St. John of the Woods to give generously to the Annual Catholic Appeal, as we have not yet reached our goal at the mission station. This appeal allows us to support the many ministries of our archdiocese.
Faith Formation classes have now begun. Thank you to those who have registered your children. If you have not yet registered, please do so soon, as registration will close shortly. I am grateful to all our volunteers who assist in this important program. Classes for children take place every Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Church School. The OCIA (Order of Christian Initiation of Adults) sessions are held every Monday at 6:30 p.m. at the PSJ23 Religious Center. Please ensure punctuality for all sessions.
Through the initiatives of our parishioners, many new families have joined our parish and registered across our locations. We warmly welcome them into our faith community. I encourage everyone to take part in the ministries of the parish and to actively engage in the faith and life we share.
Today, there will be a Mental Health Awareness Workshop for the youth at St. John of the Woods beginning at 9:30 a.m. I extend my gratitude to Sr. Phuong Anh Tran for leading this effort to guide our youth in avoiding depression and fostering healthy living. Many more programs are scheduled in our parish; please check the bulletin and website for details. Next week, we will have training sessions for lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion. I ask all lectors and EMs to attend so that we may carry out our liturgical service with reverence and proper formation.
Last week, we conducted a parish survey to help us plan more effectively for the future. Thank you to everyone who participated. I am also grateful to the PFAC for working with the data to prepare a vision for our parishs growth.
I will be away for a short vacation beginning tomorrow and will return in October. Please keep me in your prayers, as I will also remember each of you in mine. Let us continue to work together to build up this parish and the Kingdom of God.
God bless you all.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Fr. Tuan Nguyen, D. Min
Pastor