Sunday, October 12th 2025
Happy Feast Day to you
Dear Parishioners of Pope St. John XXIII parish faith community,
Welcome to the 28thSunday in Ordinary Time. We reflect today upon the mercy and grace of God and our response. Naaman the Syrian commander comes to Israel to be healed of his leprosy and upon being healed according to the command of prophet Elisha, Naaman acknowledges the true and living God and vows to offer sacrifices only to Him. In the Gospel also we see 10 lepers pleads with Jesus for mercy and only the Samaritan returns to thank Him for the healing.
The lepers represent us all. Their illness was a symbol of all sin and the consequences of sin.They no longer could gather freely with their loved ones as the lepers entered isolation and shame. Analogously, all sins have similar effects. Sin causes pain within our souls as we discover the growing wounds it causes. Sin affects our relationships and our ability to freely relate to those whom we love. The initial cure for sin is simple. We cry out, Jesus, Master! Have pity on me! But that is only the first step. By curing the lepers, Jesus was showing us that He had power over our sin. He will forgive us when we seek His mercy. But forgiveness will end in tragedy if it does not lead us to faith and to a following of the will of God with zeal and determination.
Today we celebrate the feast day of our patron Pope St. John XXIII. It has been two years since we moved on with the new parish family patron and name change. We are still the only parish that has progressed this far in the Partners in the Gospel program initiated by the archdiocese. Thanks to all of you in welcoming this change though with lot of sacrifices and challenges. We have been moving along to function as one parish with many locations. Let us thank God and our patron saint in helping us through these hard times.
I also thank Deacon Themen and other liturgy committee members who gathered to plan for this feast day celebrations. It is important we recognize and pray for them in planning meticulously every aspect of these celebrations in order that we are able to witness this spirit filled celebrations and obtain blessings of through the intercession of out Patron Pope St. John XXIII.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 28 parishioners who took part in the Lector Training on September 26, led by Fr. Hendry. In addition, 60 parishioners attended the Eucharistic Minister Training on September 29, 2025, led by Deacon Mike Teskey.
All participants have been called and commissioned, in the name of Archbishop Etienne, to serve for a three-year term. Each will also receive a certificate in recognition of the successful completion of their training.
We will kick start the Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure for this year from the end of this month; theres still time for everyone to prayerfully consider serving the parish with everything you are capable of. We should be generous enough to repay the Lord for all that He has blessed us with. Once again invite you to be part of the parishs various ministries that help the members from birth to rebirth. Considering your interest and availability with your time, please come forward to help us serve better. If you are restricted by your schedule, do not hesitate to join us in the ministry through your donations.
Thanks to everyone for your prayers, I had a blessed vacation and returned safely. Praying that through the intersession of our patron saint, all the families of our parish communities be blessed. Wish you a blessed week ahead.
Sincerely, Yours in Christ,
Fr. Tuan Nguyen, D. Min
Pastor