February 1, 2023
Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
“You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth” (Mt 5: 13-16): This is the Gospel message for this 5th Sunday. When Jesus asks us to be “light and salt” of the earth, He is asking us to give flavor and light to a tasteless and dark world. Jesus’ words on salt and light have also impacted the life of Saint Francis Assisi, whose life we honor with a beautiful hymn: “Where there is darkness, let me bring light.”
Last Sunday, during the grand opening of our parish office, the Knights of Columbus and the Front Office staff were salt and light to those who came by to see the new office. Our brother Knights provided coffee, drinks, and donuts to many people. With gratitude, I join my brother priests and Office staff to thank our brother Knights for their wonderful support.
After last weekend’s preaching on the PSA, our parish received a wonderful initial pledge. I hope many will respond generously to the PSA. In addition to the PSA pledge, an anonymous donor gave one scholarship of $500 to one of our youths, who will participate in the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. “Salt and light of the earth”—Jesus, you are our Salt and Light!
As I mentioned to you in my last weekend’s homily on the 2023 PSA, as of now, most of the major projects are semi-finished, I would like to re-focus my pastoral ministry. Last month, I spent three weekends speaking and sharing with the English and Vietnamese RCIA classes on various sacraments. It was a joy to journey with those desiring to become Catholics or those desiring to complete their Sacraments of Initiation.
This month of February I will focus on planning some liturgical events for our parish. In fact, Fathers Luis, Nicolas, and I have been discussing and planning for future liturgical events since the first week of January. For example, on Saturday, February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, we will administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at the 8:30 AM Mass. The next day—Sunday, February 12—we celebrate World Marriage Day by renewing the marriage vows of married couples at our weekend Masses. On February 22, we will begin the Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, and the next day (Feb. 23) we will celebrate the Feast of Our Patron, Saint Polycarp. However, we will have a community celebration of our Patron Saint on Saturday, February 25, at the 8:30 AM Mass. We invite you to come and join us in giving thanks to God for the life of Saint Polycarp. Our Youth Ministry will decorate the statue of the Patron Saint. The English, Filipino, Hispanic, and Vietnamese communities will contribute some dishes for us to enjoy and to socialize after the Mass.
I hope that having these events, whether they are liturgical or just building friendship, will bind our community closer as a family of faith, so that each of us can continue to be that “salt and light” as Jesus as asks us to be.
May God bless you always. Saint Polycarp: Pray for us!
Father Viet Peter Ho
Pastor
Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
“You are the light of the world and the salt of the earth” (Mt 5: 13-16): This is the Gospel message for this 5th Sunday. When Jesus asks us to be “light and salt” of the earth, He is asking us to give flavor and light to a tasteless and dark world. Jesus’ words on salt and light have also impacted the life of Saint Francis Assisi, whose life we honor with a beautiful hymn: “Where there is darkness, let me bring light.”
Last Sunday, during the grand opening of our parish office, the Knights of Columbus and the Front Office staff were salt and light to those who came by to see the new office. Our brother Knights provided coffee, drinks, and donuts to many people. With gratitude, I join my brother priests and Office staff to thank our brother Knights for their wonderful support.
After last weekend’s preaching on the PSA, our parish received a wonderful initial pledge. I hope many will respond generously to the PSA. In addition to the PSA pledge, an anonymous donor gave one scholarship of $500 to one of our youths, who will participate in the World Youth Day in Lisbon, Portugal. “Salt and light of the earth”—Jesus, you are our Salt and Light!
As I mentioned to you in my last weekend’s homily on the 2023 PSA, as of now, most of the major projects are semi-finished, I would like to re-focus my pastoral ministry. Last month, I spent three weekends speaking and sharing with the English and Vietnamese RCIA classes on various sacraments. It was a joy to journey with those desiring to become Catholics or those desiring to complete their Sacraments of Initiation.
This month of February I will focus on planning some liturgical events for our parish. In fact, Fathers Luis, Nicolas, and I have been discussing and planning for future liturgical events since the first week of January. For example, on Saturday, February 11, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes, we will administer the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick at the 8:30 AM Mass. The next day—Sunday, February 12—we celebrate World Marriage Day by renewing the marriage vows of married couples at our weekend Masses. On February 22, we will begin the Season of Lent with Ash Wednesday, and the next day (Feb. 23) we will celebrate the Feast of Our Patron, Saint Polycarp. However, we will have a community celebration of our Patron Saint on Saturday, February 25, at the 8:30 AM Mass. We invite you to come and join us in giving thanks to God for the life of Saint Polycarp. Our Youth Ministry will decorate the statue of the Patron Saint. The English, Filipino, Hispanic, and Vietnamese communities will contribute some dishes for us to enjoy and to socialize after the Mass.
I hope that having these events, whether they are liturgical or just building friendship, will bind our community closer as a family of faith, so that each of us can continue to be that “salt and light” as Jesus as asks us to be.
May God bless you always. Saint Polycarp: Pray for us!
Father Viet Peter Ho
Pastor