Sunday, September 6th 2026

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

Good morning and welcome to the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time. Today’s readings remind us that Christian love is not passive. It does not simply avoid harming others; it watches over them, speaks truthfully, and seeks their restoration. In the first reading, God appoints Ezekiel as a sentinel—a watchman for the people. The sentinel must sound like the warning when danger approaches. Ezekiel is not responsible for forcing people to change, but he is responsible for faithfully giving the warning. In the same way, every Christian has some responsibility for the spiritual good of others, especially parents, godparents, pastors, and those entrusted with leadership. Silence is not always kindness. Sometimes love requires the courage to speak.

But the Gospel shows us how to speak. Jesus does not tell us to expose another person, gossip about them, or humiliate them. He says: go and speak to the person privately. The goal is not to win an argument or obtain revenge; the goal is, as Jesus says, “you have regained that one.” Saint John Chrysostom observes that the correction is meant to be a medicine, not a weapon. It should be offered with humility, patience, and concern for the person’s salvation. Saint Augustine teaches that Christian correction must be motivated by love: not an eagerness to wound, but an anxiety to heal. 

The reading of this week comes at an appropriate time, when we as a community try to emerge as one parish. While we discuss and discover together what is best for us going forward, we might come across a difference of opinions and plans which we should sit and discuss to come up with the best plan that works for all. Let us avoid the moments of hatred or heated arguments, gossip and withdrawals, but rather open ourselves for the dialogue to listen, understand, appreciate and give a chance for change and betterment. Therefore, let us open ourselves to the pilot program the PFAC has proposed in order to study the working remedy towards one parish plan.

We also begin the Religious Education program this Wednesday at the main campus, coming Sunday at St. John of the Woods campus. Once again, I urge the parents and grandparents to register your kids immediately to help organize the team of volunteers better to provide our kids with the knowledge of the faith. I also thank our core team in Religious Education team for their willingness and sacrifices towards this ministry of our parish. May God bless you abundantly for all you do for the love of God and neighbor. I also invite the catechist to come and partake in the Faith Formation Workshop on the 19th of this month at the main campus.

We have youth retreat this weekend at St. John of the Woods, which began on Friday and will conclude on Monday. Please pray for our youth who partake in it, that they be guided by the Spirit and guarded from every harm. Thanks to everyone who organizes and leads this special time of retreat to start this year invoking God’s presence.

All Vietnamese programs continue to accept registrations this week. At our Main Campus, we offer a Pre-K Class, Vietnamese Language Program, Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth Movement (TNTT), and Vietnamese Youth Faith Formation. Thank you to all our volunteer leaders for your time and dedication. May God bless you and accompany you throughout this new year. Please remember to complete your Safe Environment training before working with youth.

Let us congratulate our newly married couples and warmly welcome all the new families who have registered in our faith community. Let us also pray for the babies who have recently been welcomed into our faith through the Sacrament of Baptism. If you are coming to our weekend celebrations and have not been registered as members of this parish, I also invite you to register so that we can serve you better. Thank you all for being part of this faith community. Your witnessing life and generosity are the source of this parish’s life. Praying for each one of you, wish you all a blessed weekend.

Please go through the bulletin for the details of all the events of our parish and avail yourselves to be enriched in the care for your souls. I assure my daily prayers for you and your families and request your prayers for one another.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Tuan Nguyen, D. Min

Pastor