Dear Parishioners of Saint Polycarp,
We are at the last weekend of June: half a year has gone by. Time silently goes by and does not wait for us, but God patiently waits for us. He continues to be active and to invite us to trust in Him. Trusting in God is the main scriptural message for this weekend.
The prophet Jeremiah in the First Reading presents to us a scenario whereby friends and people around us are setting traps to ambush good and faithful people. However, with trust in God, these faithful people are not abandoned or despised. Jeremiah says, “I hear the whisperings of many: Terror on every side! Denounce! let us denounce him! All those who were my friends are on the watch for any misstep of mine. Perhaps he will be trapped; then we can prevail, and take our vengeance on him. But the LORD is with me, like a mighty champion: my persecutors will stumble, they will not triumph.” God will not let down those who trust in Him.
Similarly, the Evangelist Matthew recounts these caring words of Jesus for us: “Even all the hairs of your head are counted. So do not be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows. Everyone who acknowledges me before others. I will acknowledge before my heavenly Father.” In and through Jesus, we are special to God the Father. Our special dignity as God’s children is our source of encouragement, and we are confident that God is merciful to and protective of us. “Do not be afraid, for I am your God!” (Isaiah 41:10).
Continuing the theme of trusting in God, Saint Polycarp parish joyfully celebrates the diaconate ordination of Cole Buzon and Mike Betancourt. As pastor, I thank God for your support of Cole and Mike. I ask that you continue to pray and to support them in their new capacity as deacons, and that they continue to trust that God has a marvelous plan for each of them, as they begin their new journey as deacons of the Church. Also, this last weekend of June is Father Luis’ last full weekend with us. We pray that he learns to trust in the Lord Jesus and particularly Saint Joseph—the Patron Saint of his new parish—as he embarks on a new journey in his life. He will be greatly missed.
Lastly, with your generous support and donations, namely through the PSA, I wish to update to you some of the renovations in our parish. First, we replace three new motors for the main gates. Second, our parish office also has a new air conditioning unit. Our next projects will be to replace new windows in the school, and burned-out lights in the parking lot, and to rekey our school classrooms. If there are extra money left over, we will try to replace old and broken blinds in our school classrooms.
With my brother priests (Father Luis and Father Nicolas), I invoke the blessings of Our Blessed Mother, Saint Joseph, and the Patron Saint Polycarp upon you and your family.
Father Viet Peter Ho