Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
The third Sunday of Advent is called “Gaudete” Sunday, which means “rejoice” in Latin. Notably, you will see the third Advent Candle is “rose,” and the presider’s vestment may be either in “violet” or “rose” color. It is called “Gaudete” Sunday because the time to wait and to prepare for the Lord is near.
To reflect this joyful spirit, the First Reading from Isaiah gives us these words of hope and joy: “The desert and the parched land will exult; the steppe will rejoice and bloom. They will bloom with abundant flowers, and rejoice with joyful songs … Be strong, fear not! Here is your God, He comes with vindication; with divine recompense He comes to save you. Then will the eyes of the blind be opened, the ears of the deaf be cleared; then will the lame leap like a stag, then the tongue of the mute will sing” (Is. 35: 1-6a, 10).
On this “Gaudete” Sunday, I would like to announce to you a joy: the newly ordained deacon Francis Ang, who was ordained last Saturday, December 6 at Christ Cathedral, will join our Saint Polycarp family. He will begin his diaconate ministry from January to the end of May 2026. His time with us is different from Fr. Cole Buzon, who came to us as a seminarian-intern. Deacon Francis’ time with us is called “vocational synthesis,” in which he serves as a deacon and has more roles in the parish life. When Deacon Francis arrives, he will present himself to us at all of our weekend Masses. Thus, rejoice with Mother Church that hopefully he will be ordained to the priesthood in early June to serve our diocese. In the meantime, just as we had supported Fr. Cole Buzon and other discerners, I ask for your support and love to help Deacon Francis to be a faithful and zealous minister of the Church during his time with us.
I thank my brother priests, Fathers Luis Segura and Nicolaus Thai, for their generosity in welcoming a new deacon to stay with us at the rectory. I also hope that they will be a good role model for him.
Lastly, I seek the intercession of Our Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph, and the parish patronal Saint Polycarp to be with you during the last remaining weeks of Advent. In addition, I hope you like the small gift that you receive from your spiritual family this weekend.
Blessings always in Jesus,
Fr. Viet Peter Ho
Pastor
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