Sunday, March 16th 2026

Dear Parishioners of Pope St. John XXIII Parish Family,

Welcome to this Fourth Sunday of Lent, also known as Laetare Sunday. It is called Laetare, or Rejoice Sunday, because it gives us renewed hope that Jesus opens His door to all of us—sinners and saints alike—so that we may join Him at the table of fellowship. In the first reading, we hear how God sends Samuel to anoint David from the house of Jesse as the new king of Israel, making it clear that God does not judge by outward appearance. The second reading invites us to live as children of the light, so that we may be destined for eternal life. In the Gospel, Jesus heals the man born blind and grants him the gift of faith. Let us rejoice today in the Lord for His mercy, forgiveness, and fellowship.

You are cordially invited to join us for Daily Mass during this Lenten journey. On Thursdays, Deacon Theman offers a Lenten reflection for the English community after the morning Mass and for the Vietnamese community after the evening Mass. Let us make use of this opportunity to prepare ourselves for the Paschal feasts. Please review the bulletin for details regarding the Sacrament of Reconciliation for your spiritual renewal.

Our Faith Formation program is in full swing as we enter the final phase. Our elects and candidates are prayerfully approaching the baptismal font to embrace the Lord in faith with the parish community at the Easter Vigil. I am also very pleased with our Faith Formation students. They faithfully attend their classes on weekdays, as well as on Saturdays and Sundays for special sessions. I thank Sister Theresa and her team for supporting our Faith Formation Program. We have grouped students to different classes according to their age in sacramental preparation. So, we have been working very hard to assist each student to understand the sacrament they are to receive. The basic requirements that’s expected of them are to learn a few basic prayers and attend Daily (if they are able to) and Weekend Masses. They are very faithful to attend Mass, and they are studying the basic prayer that we asked them to remember. I have met with their parents to talk about the requirements of the program.

We also extend our care and assistance to our STEM students with Holy Mass on every Thursday, and all the catholic children specially were provided the opportunity during this Lenten season to avail the sacrament of reconciliation. I also spent time meeting with parents who are preparing their children to receive First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion. I am very pleased with our Catholic School, and I am very pleased with our Teachers, Faculty and School Staff who are serving in our school. The STEM Academy is also preparing for the School Auction on March 28. All parishioners are invited to participate and to help raise funds to support school activities.

This weekend, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to our parishioner Mike Curry, Deacon Aspirant and Vice President of Catholic Community Services of Western Washington, for leading the session on Social Justice. I also thank our Confirmation teachers and parents for organizing and conducting the retreat for Confirmation classes across all campuses. In addition, thank you to Mike Faltus for speaking at all campuses about the upcoming Outdoor Mass with the Bishop. Thank you, all speakers, for these reflections: Father Hendry, Father Maximiliano, Father Thao Nguyen, S.J, and Professor Ngoc Khong.

In recent weeks, we have celebrated several funeral services at different locations within our parish. Thank you for attending these services and praying for those who have passed away. Your presence offers comfort and support to grieving families. We are grateful to the Lazarus Ministry for reaching out to assist families in planning funeral services for their loved ones. Although this is a difficult time for many families, they have expressed appreciation for the love and care shown by the Lazarus team and our parish community. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

For further information, please visit our parish website, Facebook page, weekly bulletin, and electronic newsletter. Thank you for your continued support of our parish. May you have a blessed week ahead.

Sincerely, Yours in Christ,

Fr. Tuan Nguyen, D. Min

Pastor