English-From the Pastor – Mount Carmel Astoria

June 4, 2023

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Each June, the Church celebrates the Month of the Sacred Heart, honoring Jesus’ Heart through liturgy, prayers, devotions, and acts of consecration. The Sacred Heart draws us into God’s infinite love and urges us to manifest that love in our world. In today’s challenging times, marked by the ongoing effects of the pandemic, violence, individualism, and threats to our faith, such devotion becomes even more crucial. The Sacred Heart symbolizes steadfast, faithful, and life-giving love—a love that transcends fleeting emotions and sentimentality.

The symbolism surrounding the Sacred Heart is profound and meaningful. The flames that envelop the Heart symbolize the glorious brilliance of Jesus’ love, illuminating a world obscured by darkness and sin, and awaiting ignition through the fire of the Holy Spirit. Moreover, the crown of thorns encircling the bleeding and wounded Heart serves as a poignant reminder of Jesus’ Heart pierced on the Cross (John 19:34). It also recalls the encounter between doubting Thomas and the Risen Lord who invited him to touch His wounds (John 20:24-29). Furthermore, it evokes the triumphant image of the slain yet victorious Lamb of God (Revelation 5:6). These vivid depictions reinforce the notion that Jesus’ love is not merely an abstract concept, but a genuine and unwavering commitment, even in the face of suffering. They remind us, as baptized followers of Christ, of our mission to bring this extraordinary love into the world.

Devotion to the Sacred Heart became popularized when Saint Margaret Mary Alacoque (1647-1690), a Visitation nun, had a personal revelation between 1673 and 1675 involving a series of mystical visions of Christ as she prayed before the Blessed Sacrament. During her visions, the Lord revealed to her the mysteries of His Sacred Heart. Given our parish’s close association with St. Margaret Mary, it is fitting that we wholeheartedly foster this devotion. I earnestly recommend that you follow St. Margaret Mary’s example by dedicating time to silent adoration before the Eucharist, meditating on the Word of God, attending Holy Mass whenever possible, and displaying an image of the Sacred Heart in your home. Consider joining us for the solemn Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament held on the first Friday of every month, both in the morning and evening.

I am happy to announce that a Solemn Mass in Honor of the Sacred Heart will take place on Friday, June 16 at our church in the evening, followed by festivity in the parish hall. We are honored to welcome back His Excellency Paul R. Sanchez, a cherished former pastor, who will preside over this special occasion. I am also grateful that the Confraternity of the Sacred Heart, a devout and dedicated group within our Hispanic community, will sponsor this special event. Stay tuned for further details in the days ahead.

Pope Francis urged all Catholics to look to the Sacred Heart as a source of love and to bring it to the whole world: “Today we begin the month dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, source of love and peace. Open yourselves to this love and take it ‘to the ends of the earth,’ witnessing to the goodness and mercy that flow from the Heart of Jesus” (General Audience, June 1, 2022). Let us stay close to the Heart of Jesus and be transformed into devoted Christians, ignited with passion to make known His mercy to the vulnerable, the isolated, the sick, the suffering, those who are marginalized or rejected.

Sincerely yours in the Sacred Heart of Jesus,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

May 28, 2023

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

With joyous hearts, we gather this weekend to celebrate the glorious occasion of Pentecost, marking the arrival of the Holy Spirit upon the united Apostles. In the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke vividly depicts this transformative experience as a powerful wind filling the upper room, accompanied by tongues of fire resting upon each disciple. Moreover, he reveals that as the Apostles fearlessly proclaimed the Good News, people from diverse nations marveled at their ability to understand the message in their own native tongues.

Pentecost, therefore, encompasses not only the outpouring of the Holy Spirit but also the celebration of unity that this divine gift brings. The Spirit unites people from diverse backgrounds, languages, and cultures, connecting them with those who bear witness to the resurrected Christ. Through this unity, we are all able to encounter the boundless power of God, transcending the sorrowful divisions that separate us. The Holy Spirit does not impose rigid conformity that stifles diversity; rather, like a sacred dew, it shines upon the varied plants and flowers of the Garden of Creation, preserving their unique beauty and God-given individuality.

This profound understanding of Pentecost urges and inspires us to collaborate in constructing an inclusive society that cherishes diversity as a splendid gift from the Spirit of the Creator. As members of the Catholic Church, a faith community deeply rooted in tradition yet embracing a multitude of cultures and languages, we possess a golden opportunity to bear witness to love—a universal language understood by all. Unfortunately, in our pluralistic society, we witness the destructive consequences of pride, prejudice, and hatred, leading to exclusion, alienation, and even senseless violence. In the face of these tragedies, the Christian response is love. Love rebuilds the human family, restores the initial unity and peace that God intended us to enjoy, and constructs bridges that enable us to surmount the chasms of racism, xenophobia, and all forms of prejudice and fear.

For the past 182 years, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Astoria has stood as a spiritual haven for countless immigrants, refugees, and foreign families. Together, they have nurtured this faith community, leaving us a treasured Catholic legacy that continues to bless our current generation. Though the journey of worshiping and traversing life’s paths as diverse individuals may present challenges, we are grateful to the Holy Spirit for gracing us with the common language of love, which serves as an enduring emblem of unity within our parish family. Today, it is our sacred mission to bear witness to this precious gift.

“Veni Creator Spiritus!” With fervent prayers, the Church resounds, “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Your faithful and kindle in them the fire of Your love. Send forth Your Spirit, and they shall be created, and You shall renew the face of the earth!” Let us pray that our hearts may be set ablaze with an all-embracing love for all, including those among us who speak different tongues.

May the blessings of Pentecost be upon each one of you,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

May 21, 2023

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Dear Parishioners,

As we approach the joyous celebration of Pentecost, I am moved to reflect on the theme of unity in faith that resonates in this Sunday’s liturgy. In the Gospel reading from John, we hear Jesus earnestly praying to the Father for unity among his disciples. Additionally, the Acts of the Apostles reveals the early Church’s powerful display of unity in prayer after Jesus ascended into heaven. These profound biblical accounts serve as examples for us to contemplate and emulate within our own parish community.

Once again, I am filled with immense joy and gratitude for the unity that permeates our spiritual family. Our parish community is a tapestry of diverse cultures and languages, yet we stand together as one body in Christ. The richness of our varied spiritualities, devotional practices, and talents enhances our collective journey of faith. Each one of you, with your unique gifts and perspectives, contributes to the beauty and strength of our parish. Visitors who have joined our community have marveled at the unity they witnessed.

Together, we have worked diligently to cultivate a spirit of unity within our community. We recognize that no one can exist alone and that the mission of Christ is achieved through collaboration. It is therefore crucial that we continue to nurture and protect this precious gift by avoiding anything that hinders our unity, such as indifference, rivalry, negative criticisms, gossip, and even laziness in our commitment to church activities.

One tangible way we can express our unity is through active participation in our worship and liturgical celebrations. The Mass is the heartbeat of our faith, a sacred gathering where we encounter Christ and receive His grace. I invite each of you to engage more fully in our liturgies. Let us respond to the prayers with enthusiasm, sing the hymns with fervor, and embrace the beauty of the liturgical rituals. As we pray together, let our voices rise as one, creating a harmonious symphony of faith and love.

When we gather, let us foster an atmosphere of hospitality and warmth, ensuring that everyone feels a sense of belonging. Practicing common sense church etiquette, such as arriving on time, dressing modestly, greeting one another with a smile, making space for another in the pews, limiting needless movement during Mass, receiving the Eucharist with reverence, and being mindful of our conduct during the Mass, communicates a powerful sign of our unity and respect for the sacred space we share.

Furthermore, our unity extends beyond the confines of our parish. We are called to support the causes and needs of our Church as a united body. Let us be generous with our time, talents, and resources, recognizing that by working together, we can achieve great things for the glory of God.

As our parish community continues to grow, it is vital that we extend a warm welcome to all, particularly young adults and young families who are newcomers to our neighborhood. Let us demonstrate to them that our church community, despite its diversity and size, is truly an intimate family where the Lord’s desire for unity is earnestly embraced.

As we journey through this month of May, a time dedicated to our blessed Mother Mary, I commend you to her intercession. Know that you are remembered in each Holy Mass, the true source and summit of our Christian unity.

With heartfelt prayer and affection,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

May 14, 2023

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, it’s a time to reflect on the immeasurable impact that mothers have on our lives. The liturgy of the Church on this Sixth Sunday of Easter presents Jesus’ teaching about the connection between love and obedience. He tells his disciples, “If you love me, keep my commands” (Jn 14:15-21). This is a powerful reminder that love is not just an emotion, but an action. It’s something we do, not just something we feel. We see this principle operating in the life of mothers every day, especially in the sacrifices that they make for their children.

Mothers are often called upon to be the primary nurturers, protectors, and caregivers for their families. They are the ones who stay up late to tend to a sick child, who cook meals and clean up messes, who offer a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on. Being a mother can be exhausting, emotionally draining, and isolating at times. In these moments, it can be easy to feel alone and overwhelmed. Some women, understandably, are even afraid of being mother.

Yet Jesus goes on to say that those who love him will be loved by the Father, and that he will send the Holy Spirit to be with them always. Jesus’ promise of the Holy Spirit reminds us that we are never truly alone. God is with us, and his love and comfort are always available to us, no matter what challenges we may face. This promise brings great consolation in times when we feel lost, alone, or in need of guidance. It is especially relevant to mothers, who face countless challenges and struggles as they raise their children, and sometimes even as they continue to raise their children’s children.

To all mothers in our parish, I would like to let you know that the Lord truly appreciates you and your hard work. Like my own mother who courageously bore and raised seven children, and even some grandchildren, some days you probably wonder if what you are doing even matters. Perhaps you may feel that your work is never done; that you are always exhausted. There is certainly no big financial reward, since your role is neither defined by a paycheck nor by a promotion. In an age that seems to diminish service and exalt glitz, sometimes it is simply hard to value your investment. Yet, the truth is that you are highly esteemed by God, and that your children are some of His most precious gifts to you (Psalms 127:3). As I have said to my mother more than once: “Many women have done these wonderful things, but you’ve outshined them all”, I can imagine myself saying the same to some of you.

And to anyone who might not feel a good reason to celebrate Mother’s Day, including those who did not have the blessing of a mother’s loving presence in life; anyone who has walked the hard path of infertility, fraught with tears and disappointment; any woman who mourns the loss of her child through abortion: I would like to express our Church’s spiritual closeness and understanding. Be assured that there are so many other maternal gifts that you can share in the faith community. I encourage you to seek the healing that God desires for you, then seek ways to be a mother that loves and encourages others.

Finally, to those who are pregnant with a new life, both expected and surprising, I wish to assure you that Holy Mother Church joyfully anticipates with you and accompanies you with prayers. Mothering is certainly not for the faint of heart, and I will be the first to salute all mothers as the real heroes in our midst.

Commending you all to the intercession of Mary, our heavenly Mother who accompanies us each day with her maternal love and divine protection, I assure you of my personal remembrance at the Altar on this very special occasion, and during the month of May.

Happy Mother’s Day!

Msgr, Cuong M. Pham

May 7, 2023

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Dear Parishioners,

This weekend, we have the joy of celebrating the First Holy Communion of 49 children and the Confirmation of 25 young people who participate in the Religious Education Program of our parish. It is a special time of grace for all of us, as we witness these young members of our community taking important steps in their faith journey.

As we celebrate this joyous occasion, I invite you to reflect on the significance of these Sacraments in your lives. These Sacraments are special ways by which God shares his divine life to us. They bring us closer to Him and empower us to become agents of His love and mercy in the world.

The Holy Eucharist, as the source and summit of our Catholic faith, is the most perfect expression of Christ’s love for us. Through the Eucharist, we are united with Christ and with one another. It is through the Eucharist that we are nourished and strengthened, and we are empowered to live our lives in accordance with God’s will and bear witness to Him.

The image of children piously receiving the Lord for the first time in Holy Communion should remind us that we must always receive the Eucharist with faith and devotion. When we approach the Altar to receive the Lord, we must do so with a deep sense of humility and gratitude, recognizing that we are unworthy of this great gift. Indeed, we must always receive the Eucharist in a state of grace, free from mortal sin, and with a heart that longs to be united with the Lord.

Celebrating the Eucharist with utmost respect and reverence shows the depth of our faith in the Lord’s Real Presence and our intense love for Him. Exterior appearances and gestures are thus essential, and not accidental, to this sacred liturgical action. Our fasting for at least one hour before receiving Holy Communion; the way we come dressed up for Mass; the reverent bow or genuflection before the Blessed Sacrament; the conscious removal of our baseball caps and hats when entering the church; and the way in which we purposely raise our two hands, with one palm upon the other as if forming a throne for the Lord when we receive Him, etc., are all meaningful and common sense ways to express our readiness for the personal encounter with Christ, our Lord and God. Together with our interior disposition, these outward signs ensure that our reception of the Lord is both worthy and indicative of who we are and what we truly believe in.

The Sacrament of Confirmation, as a sign of the Holy Spirit’s presence and work within us and the world, empowers us with the special grace to remain close to Christ and to be able to carry out His mission in the world. Through the Holy Spirit’s gifts of wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord, each one of us is equipped to love and serve others as Christ did, and to bring His light and joy to those around us. The image of our young people eagerly approaching the Bishop to receive those gifts of the Holy Spirit should remind us of the enthusiasm and passion that we must have about our faith in order to set the world on fire with Christ and His teachings.

To our young brothers and sisters who celebrate First Holy Communion and Confirmation this weekend, I urge you to remain close to Jesus and His family, the Church. May you always cherish the gifts that you have received among us, and continue to grow in faith as you journey through the challenges and joys of your life with grace.

Commending you all to the loving protection of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Eucharist and Spouse of the Holy Spirit, I pray that what the Lord has begun in you will be brought to completion.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

April 30, 2023

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

May is the month dedicated to Our Lady. It is a time when the People of God express with particular intensity their love and devotion for the Mother of God. We honor her not only as the mother of the Lord Jesus Christ, but also as our spiritual mother, who constantly watches over us and wraps her mantle of protection around us.

The Church regards Mary as the perfect disciple, the model for all who wish to follow Christ, her Son. Mary imitates Christ perfectly because of her humility. Her “Fiat”– “Let it be done to me according to Your Will” sums up her whole life. She always desired to fulfill whatever God would require of her. We do not see much of her in the Scripture because the focus was on Jesus. She was happy to fade into the background; she did not distract us from her Son, who alone should be the center of each of our lives. This is why Mary is the model for every person.

Contemplating the beautiful face of Mary during this month of May means imitating her virtues. As Mary made room for Jesus, both in her womb and in her life, we too can open our lives to welcome the Lord in and make room for him to dwell within us. When recalling her generous Yes to God’s plan, we must allow ourselves to say Yes to whatever God’s plan is for us, no matter how difficult or incomprehensible it might be at times.

Pope Pius XII, in his 1947 Encyclical “Mediator Dei,” encouraged special prayers to the Blessed Mother during the month of May. Popes down the centuries have consistently taught and promoted Marian devotions throughout the Church. Most recently, Pope Francis himself has expressed this desire for the faithful: “I want to encourage everyone to rediscover the beauty of praying the Rosary at home in the month of May. This can be done either as a group or individually; you can decide according to your own situations, making the most of both opportunities. The key to doing this is always simplicity, and it is easy also on the internet to find good models of prayers to follow… I myself will pray in the month of May, in spiritual union with all of you.” (Holy Father’s Letter for the Month of May 2020).

In our parish of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Marian devotions are always an important part of life. We are proud to have active groups dedicated specifically to Marian devotions, such as the Legion of Mary, the Rosary Society, the Virgin of Guadalupe Group, the First Saturday Devotion, etc. Throughout the week, the faithful remain after each Mass to pray the Rosary and other Litanies to Our Lady. Every Wednesday, a special Novena to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is prayed after the Noon Mass. The beautiful shrines in our chapel honoring Mary under various titles are a powerful testimony to the love that people across different cultures have for the Mother of God; none of those shrines is ever without fresh flowers or burning votive candles.

As we honor Mary during this month in church and at home, let us invoke her divine love and protection not only upon ourselves, but also upon our mothers, living and deceased, who will be honored in a special way on Mother’s Day, and upon our children and youth who will be receiving their first Holy Communion and Confirmation this month. May we all remain close to Mary’s maternal heart, and know the joy of union with Jesus, her Son.

Faithfully yours in Christ,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

April 23, 2023

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Dear parish family,

The Emmaus story that we hear proclaimed on this Third Sunday of Easter is like a gospel within the Gospel. It is so rich a lesson that it serves as a summary of our own bonding with the Lord on the journey of life.

For the two disciples on the road to Emmaus, the future looked grim indeed. After Jesus’ death on the cross, they felt all was lost. But Jesus came along and used the Scriptures to enlighten them. When he opened the meaning of God’s Word to them, they began to understand his cross in a totally new light. They saw it not as a total disaster but as the start of a new age of grace. Once arrived in Emmaus, they recognized him in the breaking of the bread. It was the spirit of self-giving that Jesus invested in the act that ultimately showed them who he really was.

The Emmaus story speaks to people of all ages. We can see ourselves in these two weary travelers on their journey, in the faith and hope they have lost, in the experience of having someone suddenly come along to walk the difficult road with them, giving them fresh insights, and giving them renewed faith and hope. And, of course, we can identify with their recognition of the Lord in the breaking of the bread, in the Eucharist, in someone’s act of self-giving to us. Too often we think that we are all alone on the rocky road of life, with our struggles, discouragement and pain to share. Does the Lord know? Is he there? Our Christian faith and sensitivity, as known already from the earliest times of the Church, assure us that he is present and that he walks with us on the often-rocky road of life. He speaks to us and breaks his bread for us, as he did for his disciples at the Last Supper and on the pilgrim road of Emmaus.

When we are sad, or bored or discouraged or all alone as we travel, the journey seems dreary and long. But when we let someone else join us on the road, a friend, or even a stranger who gives us courage and joy again, the journey becomes lighter, and our hearts are lifted up. The road of life is like this. At times it is hard and tiring, but it becomes easy and joyful when we know that the Lord journeys with us and warms our hearts. Today and every day Jesus wants to be our companion on the road of life. Do we let him? Do we recognize him?

Yours in Christ,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

April 16, 2023

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

ALLELUIA! Today is Divine Mercy Sunday, the Octave Day of Easter! In the Church’s reckoning, it is still Easter Sunday. In other words, the Paschal mystery that culminates in Christ’s rising from the dead is so huge an event, it takes a full week to fully grasp it.

In the year 2000, Pope John Paul II declared the Sunday after Easter to be “Divine Mercy Sunday” based on the revelations of St. Faustina Kowalska, a nun who, in the 1930s, received a series of private revelations from Christ. Her revelations highlight God’s inexhaustible mercy toward humanity and feature an image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus emanating with divine love. It is through the vessel of trust, Jesus revealed to St. Faustina, that we gain access to the fountain of God’s mercy. Thus, the image of Divine Mercy always includes that incredible statement of faith “Jesus, I trust in you!”

The celebration of Divine Mercy stands at the core of what these Easter days are all about. In her vision, St. Faustina saw coming from the Heart of Jesus two rays of light which illuminate the world. The two rays, as Jesus himself told her, represent blood and water flowing from his Sacred Heart. The blood recalls the sacrifice of Golgotha and the mystery of the Eucharist; the water recalls our Baptism and the gift of the Holy Spirit (cf. Jn 3:5; 4:14). Through the mystery of Christ’s wounded Heart, the restorative tide of God’s merciful love continues to spread over us and all generations.

As you are reading this letter, I will be in the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina this weekend to attend the Ordination of a young transitional Deacon, Joseph Cong Le, whom I have adopted for many years as a spiritual son in the same vocation. I ask you to pray that he may be a good and holy priest, and that he may be the best face of mercy that every priest should be.

A Blessed Divine Mercy Sunday to all, especially members of our parish’s Divine Mercy Prayer Group!

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

April 9, 2023

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

Christ is Risen! Alleluia! The Easter message of joy echoes through the whole world proclaiming Our Lord’s ultimate victory of light over darkness, grace over sin, and life over death. It is the message upon which our faith rests and to which we anchor our own hope of victory with him.

St. Paul says, “If Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is useless, and our faith too is in vain” (Cf. 1 Cor 15:14). The Resurrection is thus the foundation and cornerstone of our faith. On Easter we are called to live as people deeply touched by the Lord’s Resurrection, those who cannot contain the Good News within themselves, and must run out to proclaim it. Like Mary Magdalene, Peter, John and all the disciples of Christ, may our encounter with the Risen Lord on our journey of faith touch us deeply and transform us into eager witnesses as well. May we become what St. Augustine referred to as an “Easter People”, a people changed into running disciples.

I take this opportunity to thank our priests, deacons, staff, ministers, catechists, lay leaders, volunteers and youths who have given so much of their time and talent during the season of Lent and Holy Week to assist with the liturgies, retreats, devotions and decoration of our church. You have been the visible faces of those “running disciples” in our parish. Your sacrifice has contributed to the spiritual renewal of countless people who came through our doors. I am also grateful to everyone else who has joined us in prayer. Your presence is itself a powerful testimony of our community’s new life in Christ.

May the joys of His Resurrection fill you and your family! Happy Easter!

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

Monseñor Cuong M Pham

April 2, 2023

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Dear brothers and sisters,

The most intense week in the Christian year begins with Palm Sunday this weekend. The powerful liturgies of the Church, recalling the Passion of Christ, confront us with the violence that we human beings inflict upon one another and our ingratitude toward God, juxtaposed dramatically against the forgiving love of God and the assured hope of redemption. As we enter Holy Week, I invite you to take advantage of the rich array of liturgies and ritual events at our parish.

On Palm Sunday, we commemorate Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem with palms and hosannas. On Monday of Holy Week, our parish will participate with over five hundred other Catholic churches throughout New York City and Long Island in observing Reconciliation Monday. Confessions will be heard by our priests from 1:00PM to 3:00PM, and again from 6:00PM to 8:00PM in the chapel confessionals. On Tuesday of Holy Week, we will celebrate the Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin devotion in Spanish at 7:00PM in the chapel, as our priests and deacons will join our Bishop at the Chrism Mass, to be held at that same time at the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph in Brooklyn. On Wednesday of the Holy Week, the Stations of the Cross will be prayed in Spanish in the main church at 7:00PM.

On Holy Thursday, we will celebrate the Solemn Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 7:30PM. This Mass begins the three most sacred days of the Church year, called the “Holy Triduum” which will culminate with the Easter feast. At the Holy Thursday’s evening Mass, we remember Jesus’ Last Supper with his disciples, his institution of the Holy Eucharist, his compassionate act of washing their feet, and his “new commandment” to love one another as he has loved us. Following this Mass, we will begin adoration of the Blessed Sacrament until midnight. This is an act of love that recalls the final hours of Jesus in Gethsemane Garden. The Vietnamese, English and Spanish-speaking communities of our parish will take turn to lead the prayers and music meditations during the adoration.

On Good Friday, you are invited to join the Stations of the Cross in English at 12:00PM in the church. At that same time, we will have the outdoor Stations of the Cross, to be done this year in both English and Spanish, featuring the dramatic re-enactment of the Passion of Our Lord in the streets of our neighborhood. As always, hundreds of people are expected to attend. The highlight of the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion on Good Friday will be the Veneration of the Cross and the Dramatic Reading of the Lord’s Passion, which will be done at various times throughout the day, in all five official languages of our parish community. In addition, you are also invited to attend the Seven Last Words of Christ Meditation in Spanish at 6:30PM in the church.

On Holy Saturday, you can bring the food that your family will use to celebrate Easter to the lower church for a blessing during a Prayer Service at 12:00PM in the chapel. Confessions will be heard again from 3:30PM to 4:30PM in the chapel confessionals. That evening, our whole community will gather for the Easter Vigil Mass at 7:30PM. The Easter Vigil is the Mother of all Christian liturgies, the most important liturgy of the year, commemorating the Resurrection of Our Lord. We will celebrate that Solemn Mass with all the language groups of our parish family. The liturgy that night will begin in the front vestibule of our church, with the lighting of the new fire and a joyous procession into the sanctuary, where the ancient Easter Proclamation or “Exultet” will be sung by one of our priests. On Easter Sunday, our Masses will be celebrated solemnly, following our normal Sunday schedule.

These services take us on a sacred journey with Jesus: from the streets of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday to the Last Supper of Maundy Thursday, to Golgotha and the desolation of the Cross on Good Friday, and finally, to the Empty Tomb on Easter morning, to hear the surprising and joyful announcement that “Christ is Risen!” They provide an opportunity to experience more of the height and depth and breadth of God’s love for us and for the world.

I hope that you can join us for the full spectrum of worship. I also encourage you to consider inviting a friend, neighbor or family member to come along for these powerful moments of grace and transformation. I look forward to praying with you.

Devotedly yours in Christ, Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

Mons. Cuong M. Pham