Sunday, August 2nd 2026

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

On this Eighteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, in the Gospel, after Jesus withdraws to a deserted place, the crowds follow—and when he sees them, “he had compassion for them and cured their sick.” Then the question becomes practical: evening comes, the place is remote, and the disciples want the crowds dismissed to find food elsewhere. But Jesus turns the situation into a lesson of faith: “They need not go away; you give them something to eat.” They begin with what they have —“five loaves and two fish”—and Jesus receives that small offering, looks to heaven, blesses, breaks, and gives. The result is not just enough, but overflowing: “all ate and were filled,” with “twelve baskets full” left over. 

Pope Leo XIV highlights a key point: Jesus’ actions are not magic; they are gratitude to the Father and fraternal communion—the bread is multiplied “by sharing what is available.” It is easy to say, “We don’t have enough.” The disciples did. Many of us do too—time, energy, patience, resources. But the spiritual direction is clear: bring what you truly have into Christ’s hands and let compassion convert scarcity into service. Let us pray that The Lord teaches us to see with compassion and to act with faith. Feed us with your Word and with the Eucharist, so that we may become what we receive—bread broken for others, hope poured out, and hearts that never stop coming to you, the giver of life. 

The invitation is clear, however little we have, if we are ready to share God will bless our sacrifice and multiply it. The church is in need of sacrifices of its members. The time, the presence, the energy and the resources. It is the members that form the church and make it alive and thriving. Therefore, I invite everyone to actively participate in the ministries of the church to help everyone experience the love and compassion of God. We did experience how wonderful it was, when we celebrated the parish summer fest. We could make every event meaningful, and sprit filled if we part-take whole-heartedly.

I thank all our volunteers who sacrificed their time during this summer to keep the church grounds, beautiful and trimming the grass and caring for the plants. It is also important to maintain our kichen, hall, grounds as we welcome many travelers and newcomers to our parish churches this year. Thanks to everyone caring for our youth group and leading them in the summer bible classes and camps. I assure my prayers and support for all the volunteers who serve at different ministries of our parish, not forgetting our food-bank volunteers who are instrumental in feeding the hungry neighborhood.

Once again, I take this opportunity to remind you to respond to the ACA this year, it is important to continue our existence in various ministries we undertake in this diocese. To all our parishioners who are away with their family for the summer break, ENJOY. Every one of you deserves a break to be away and to be with your loved ones. Remember also to pray together as family wherever you go. I pray for all of you for the safety and blessed memorable time away.

Please go through the bulletin for further information of all the events of our parish. You can also receive the bulletin when you are away if you sign up with Sr. Linh. You can still browse the webpage of our parish at psj23.org for all the updates. Wish you all a blessed week ahead.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Tuan Nguyen, D. Min

Pastor