Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
This weekend marks the last weekend that Fathers Luis, Nicolaus, and Sister Jessica are with us: They have been with us and we love them. We love their pastoral approach and zeal, their homilies, their smiles, and distinct laughter, and most of all their friendship with us in Christ.
The transferring of pastoral assignments for Fathers Luis and Nicolaus, and Sister Jessica reflects the condition of being a disciple of Jesus, which is well captured in today’s Gospel:
“Whoever does not take up his cross
and follow after me is not worthy of me.
Whoever finds his life will lose it,
and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
Whoever receives you receives me,
and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me.”
This is the reality of the life of a sacred minister and a religious. He or she is sent according to the pastoral needs of the diocese and of a religious community. For our part, we pray that they will continue to spread their joy and zeal to others in our diocese, for seeing them happy and joyful in their ministry is also our joy.
There will be a small reception of gratitude and appreciation for their service after 9AM, 11AM, and 4PM Mass by the patio. Please stop by to thank them, and to bid farewell to them. Also, remember them in your prayers.
Next weekend, which is the first weekend of July, we will welcome Father Francis Ang who has been with us since January as a deacon. In addition, there will be a small welcoming reception for him at 9AM and 11AM, and a reception to congratulate Sr. MaryAnne for her final professions after the 4PM Mass. As regards Sister Silvia Frias and Father Jaime Hernandez, they will join us later: Sister Silvia will join us in the middle of July, and Father Jaime at the beginning of August.
May God, through the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, St. Joseph, and the Patron Saint Polycarp, bless us all.
Fr. Viet Peter Ho
Pastor