Dear Family of Saint Polycarp,
As we approach the end of 2024, it is appropriate that I write this letter to conclude the 2024 Pastoral Service Appeal (PSA) at our parish. With heartfelt humility and praise to the Almighty God, I echo words of joyful gratitude to you—these words are taken from the First Reading of Prophet Zephaniah: “Shout for joy, O daughter Zion! Sing joyfully, O Israel! Be glad and exult with all your heart, O daughter Jerusalem!”
“Shout for joy… and exult with all your heart” because we have done marvels to our 2024 PSA. We have exceeded our PSA goal again! With 461 families we have pledged a total of $209,025. For your generous love and support, I thank you in the Lord Jesus.
Your amazing PSA pledge supports both diocesan ministries and Saint Polycarp’s ministries. Your generosity and love reflect the dialogue between the crowd and John the Baptist in the Gospel of this Third Sunday of Advent. Upon hearing the preaching of John the Baptist, the crowd asked him: “What should we do?” John the Baptist replied: “Whoever has two cloaks should share with the person who has none. And whoever has food should do likewise.”
With your generosity, the modular buildings—which comprise the conference rooms of Saint Polycarp, Blessed McGivney, and Saint John the Second (Youth Ministry Office)—have new windows, roofs, and blinds, as well as new windows for the church sacristy. In addition, we were able to resurface the school alley, the pavilion, and the front office parking.
Just as John the Baptist asked the people to prepare their hearts for the Messiah through works of charity, your generous support of the 2024 PSA has prepared Saint Polycarp, your spiritual home, for the worship of God and the building up of the Body of Christ, which is the Church.
Moreover, upon the recommendation of the Parish Pastoral Council on November 7th, the collection at the Thanksgiving Mass will be given equally to the three youth ministries—the DMA, LOL, and the Vietnamese Eucharistic Youth. Each group is to receive $1,500. The small remaining portion will be retained in the Family Support Program account to assist families in need.
Lastly, as the Church celebrates the Third Sunday of Advent which is known as Gaudete (joyful) Sunday, I wish you a joyful week. Together with my brother priests (Father Luis and Father Nicolaus), I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generous support and love of our spiritual home, Saint Polycarp.
Father Viet Peter Ho, Pastor