MESSAGE FROM THE PASTOR

Dear Brothers and Sisters:

Summer is a time of blessing for many of us in many ways. Parents get to spend more time with children to relax and to have fun; and families get to plan trips to visit other members whom you do not get to see often. Time spending with one another is very precious. It gives us opportunities to strengthen our relationship and to heal any bruise. If this is true in human relationship, then it should also be true in our relationship with God. It is sad that every year during summer time, church attendance drops. It is like when children are off from school, and parents take time off from work, it is also time off from coming to church. I think it should be the other way around. We should take our children to church more often at this time to help them grow in more personal relationship with God that we do not have time to do it when they are busy with their school works and sports.  By coming to church regularly, you are instilling a very strong message in your children that faith should be ever growing.

In August, there is a very special feast, the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, a holy day of obligation. Our parish has 5 Masses: 3 in English; 1 in Vietnamese; and 1 in Spanish. Please check the weekly bulletin for the exact schedule. This feast signifies that, at the end of her life, the Blessed Virgin Mary was assumed, body and soul, into the glory of heaven, where she is crowned as heaven's Queen. Her assumption into heaven points us toward the resurrection of the whole people of God in Jesus Christ at the end of time, and her coronation there points us toward our own sharing in Jesus' kingly power. So, as Queen of heaven, Mary is sharing in the royalty of her Son, Jesus Christ. He is the universal King, and she shares in His kingship. As members of Christ's Church, we are called to share in His royalty: all of us are called to reign with him in His kingdom.

In this summer, our parish is blessed with Fr. Anh Nguyen, who is spending his time here and offering his service, especially during my vacation from July 14 to August 12. On Sundays, Fr. Gordon Moreland and Fr. John Bullock continue to celebrate Masses for us. I am certain that their spirituality and instructions will enrich our faith.

God has constantly endowed our parish with many great blessings. As your pastor, I am indebted to you for your prayer and support. Please be assured of my prayer for you and your family. May God continue to bless each one of us with a safe and holy summer!

Rev. Vincent Pham