Sunday, November 16th 2025

Dear Parishioners of Pope St. John XXIII parish faith community,

Welcome you into the 33rd week in Ordinary Time. We are celebrating the last but one Sunday of the liturgical year. We will conclude this liturgical cycle of the Year C with the celebration of the Solemnity of Christ the King next Sunday. Hence the reading of this Sunday directs us towards the end time events of history. Though the readings are somewhat alarming, the hope comes from the scripture that assures, “But for you who fear my name, there will arise the sun of justice with its healing rays”. Jesus also in the gospel warns us against being led away by false teachings and urges us to bear witness to Him. Yet Jesus Himself instructs in the gospel; “By your perseverance you will secure your lives."

We will celebrate the Feast of the Holy Martyrs of Vietnam on November 16, 2025. Although the universal feast day is November 24, we honor on this occasion the 117 canonized martyrs—and countless unnamed companions—who bore heroic witness to Christ during decades of persecution in Vietnam. Among them are Saint Andrew Dũng-Lạc and 21 missionaries from France and Spain. We offer our prayers and heartfelt congratulations to all Vietnamese Catholics in our community, especially the Vietnamese Holy Martyrs Choir of our parish. May their faith continue to inspire our own discipleship.

As we prepare to begin the new liturgical year with the holy season of Advent, I invite you to consider setting aside a portion of your savings to support our Homebound Ministry. Through the Giving Tree, raffle tickets, and other charitable offerings, we bring the joy of Christmas to our seniors, homebound parishioners, and those in need. Your generosity has sustained this ministry for many years, and I thank you sincerely for your continued kindness and compassion.

I am also grateful to all who have already responded to our Stewardship of Treasure Campaign. For the next few weeks, we will continue to encourage those who have not yet participated. Please prayerfully consider how you might help sustain our parish and support the many ministries that serve our four-campus community. Your involvement and generosity truly make our mission possible.

My heartfelt appreciation goes to the PFAC leaders at all our campuses for their presence during parish events and for gathering the reflections of parishioners. Thank you to all who shared your thoughts on how your experience at our parish has brought you closer to God, the gifts and strengths of your church community, and the things you treasure most about your parish. Your voices help guide our planning and strengthen our unity.

I also want to thank the Knights of Columbus for their service and dedication. Yearly, they generously ordered coats for the youth in our Faith Formation program. The Knights serve our parish in countless humble ways—hosting weekly Coffee and Donuts, supporting parish gatherings, and assisting with special events. Please continue to support them by helping with cleanup or offering a donation when you can. Your kindness goes a long way.

I extend a special word of gratitude to the generous donors who helped us meet the final shortfall in our Annual Catholic Appeal. Your contribution allowed our parish to reach its goal, and your generosity is a blessing to our entire community. May God abundantly bless you for your kindness and sacrificial giving.

Let us keep in prayer our CCD children, our youth group, and their devoted parents as they prepare for the Christmas pageants. Their enthusiasm and hard work bring joy and hope to our parish during this blessed season. As we remain in the month of November, we also lift up all our departed brothers and sisters, asking God to purify them of their sins and welcome them into His loving presence.

Finally, I invite you to lovingly remember your departed loved ones by offering Masses for their repose. Please contact the parish office if you would like to schedule a Mass intention.

Thank you for your love, your prayers, and your dedication to our parish family. May God bless you and your loved ones abundantly in the week ahead.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Tuan Nguyen, D. Min

Pastor