Uncategorized – Mount Carmel Astoria

4 de mayo de 2025

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Nos llena de alegría compartir que, hasta el momento, 67 donantes han prometido más de $27,800, de los cuales casi $20,000 ya se han recibido. Su generosidad apoya ministerios esenciales en toda la diócesis y fortalece nuestra misión parroquial. Este año, estamos orando con esperanza para lograr una participación del 100% en nuestra parroquia, y confiamos en contar con su entusiasmo y buena voluntad. Los sobres para la colecta están disponibles en todas las entradas de la iglesia. Recuerden: ningún don es pequeño a los ojos del Señor.

Nuestro párroco, Mons. Cuong Pham, se encuentra en Roma, participando en los nueve días de luto oficial de la Iglesia por el Papa Francisco, con Misas Memoriales concelebradas cada día por el Colegio de Cardenales. Mons. Pham nos invita a unirnos en oración por los cardenales electores, incluyendo al Cardenal Christophe Pierre, Nuncio Apostólico y querido amigo de nuestra parroquia, quienes asumirán la sagrada responsabilidad de elegir al próximo Papa a partir del 7 de mayo. Que el Espíritu Santo los ilumine y que nuestras oraciones, unidas a las de toda la Iglesia, los fortalezcan.

Ayer, sabado, tuvimos la alegría de recibir a Monseñor Ray Chappetto, quien presidió una Misa Solemne en nuestra parroquia y confirió el Sacramento de la Confirmación a 26 jóvenes del Programa de Educación Religiosa. Felicitamos de corazón a los recién confirmados y nos unimos a sus familias, padrinos y catequistas para orar por ellos en este paso tan importante de su camino de fe.

El domingo, el Comité de Santiago Apóstol invita a todos a una venta de comida mexicana a partir de las 10:30 AM en el gimnasio. Todo lo recaudado servirá para la celebración de la Fiesta de Santiago Apóstol este mes de julio. ¡Esperamos que pasen a apoyar este evento especial y sabroso!

El Grupo de Oración Católico Carismático les invita cordialmente a participar en el seminario “Vida en el Espíritu”. Este poderoso encuentro con el Señor comenzó esta semana y continuará todos los viernes a las 7:00 PM en la capilla, hasta Pentecostés.

El domingo 18 de mayo, de 8:00 AM a 5:00 PM, realizaremos un Mercado de Arte y Pulgas al Aire Libre para apoyar la peregrinación a Roma de nuestro Grupo Juvenil este verano. Les invitamos a disfrutar de artículos únicos y a apoyar a nuestros artistas y vendedores locales.

A partir del lunes 5 de mayo, las Misas diarias durante la semana volverán a celebrarse abajo en la capilla.

Para más detalles sobre estos y otros eventos, por favor llévense un boletín parroquial o lo pueden leer aqui en nuestro sitio web.

January 12, 2025

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As the final glow of the Christmas season gently recedes, we find ourselves entering Ordinary Time, beginning immediately after this Sunday’s Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This season, often overlooked or misunderstood, offers us a profound opportunity for spiritual renewal and growth. Despite its name, Ordinary Time is far from mundane. Rooted in the Latin word “ordinalis,” meaning “numbered,” it signifies a structured and purposeful journey through our faith. It unfolds the fullness of Christ’s life and teachings, stretching from the first to the thirty-fourth Sunday of the liturgical calendar and encompassing the mysteries of Christ in their entirety. Unlike the concentrated focus of Christmas or Easter, Ordinary Time immerses us in the breadth of Christ’s mission.

The green vestments and decorations associated with this season symbolize new life and growth, reminiscent of spring’s vitality. This color invites us to cultivate a faith that is ever-growing, ever-renewing, much like the early Church’s expansion und er the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Post-Pentecost, Ordinary Time mirrors the dynamic movement of the Gospel spreading across the world—a call for us, too, to deepen and share our faith.

In this spirit of growth and renewal, I am delighted to share exciting news about our parish community. Last year, I presented a vision to expand and enhance our sacred spaces, a vision that is now becoming reality thanks to your unwavering generosity. Through your contributions to our weekly collections and donations, we have achieved significant milestones. In fact, a portion of your contributions to the Annual Catholic Appeal 2024, the amount over our parish’s goal, has been returned to us by Bishop Robert Brennan for necessary repairs and improvements of our beloved church.

One of the most notable additions is our new glass atrium, now ready for use and aptly named the “Holy Family Room.” Accessible from both the main church and the chapel, this stunningly bright space, adorned with a glistening glass ceiling, offers a welcoming environment for prayer groups, ministries, and gatherings. It stands as a beautiful symbol of our collective spiritual growth and the thriving life of our parish community. I am also delighted to announce that the large wooden statue of the Holy Family—Jesus, Mary, and Joseph—which once graced the sanctuary of the former St. Margaret of Mary church, our former satellite worship site closed four years ago, will be permanently installed in this new room. This cherished addition will serve as a poignant reminder of the spiritual connection we continue to share with that beloved former church, a place held dear by many of our parishioners.

Additionally, we have recently made significant improvements to the landscaping around the church and rectory gardens. New evergreens and Norwegian spruce trees now grace the grounds, creating a picturesque and prayerful environment that was especially enchanting during the Christmas season. Come spring, fresh flowers and plants will further enhance this green space, transforming it into an oasis of serenity and beauty. We have also installed new lamp posts in the parish parking lot to provide better illumination and ensure the safety of our parishioners during evening activities. These enhancements reflect our commitment to creating a welcoming and secure environment for all who come to worship and participate in parish life.

Another major project close to my heart is the repair of the church bell tower and the installation of a new carillon system. This endeavor has been made possible through the extraordinary generosity of a deceased parishioner and benefactor who deeply loved our parish church and envisioned it as a beacon of faith for generations to come. Soon, the beautiful chime of our beloved bell and the melodious sounds of sacred music will resonate throughout our neighborhood at designated liturgical hours—a treasured tradition that connects us to the rich and timeless heritage of Catholic churches worldwide.

As we journey through Ordinary Time, let us embrace these moments of renewal and transformation, both in our personal faith and as a parish community. Each step in Christ’s public ministry, each day of this season, and each phase of our parish’s enhancements are interconnected, drawing us closer to the heart of our mission and deepening our relationship with Christ.

Let us view this season not as a return to routine but as an invitation to a more vibrant, dynamic faith. May we approach it with enthusiasm and generosity, allowing its themes and messages to inspire and guide us to live more fully in Christ’s light.

With my blessings and prayers,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

12 DE ENERO, 2025

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Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

Con la despedida del tiempo de Navidad, entramos ahora en el Tiempo Ordinario, una etapa litúrgica que comienza justo después de la Fiesta del Bautismo del Señor este domingo. Este tiempo, a menudo subestimado, es en realidad una hermosa oportunidad para renovarnos y crecer espiritualmente. A pesar de su nombre, el Tiempo Ordinario no es algo común o rutinario. Más bien, es un tiempo lleno de significado, que nos invita a recorrer, con propósito, el camino de nuestra fe.

La palabra “ordinario” proviene del latín ordinalis, que significa “numerado,” reflejando la estructura organizada de este tiempo. Durante estas semanas, la Iglesia nos guía a través de la plenitud de la vida y las enseñanzas de Jesús, desde el primer hasta el trigésimo cuarto domingo del calendario litúrgico. A diferencia de la intensidad de Navidad o Pascua, el Tiempo Ordinario nos permite explorar toda la amplitud de la misión de Cristo en el mundo.

En esta temporada, el color verde que vestimos en la liturgia tiene un simbolismo especial: representa la vida nueva y el crecimiento. Nos recuerda que nuestra fe está siempre en evolución, como una planta que florece con el cuidado constante. Así como la Iglesia primitiva creció bajo la guía del Espíritu Santo, nosotros también estamos llamados a profundizar nuestra relación con Dios y a compartir el Evangelio con los demás.

Con gran alegría, quiero compartirles algunas maravillosas noticias sobre nuestra comunidad parroquial. El año pasado les presenté una visión para mejorar y expandir nuestros espacios sagrados. Gracias a su generosidad y compromiso, esa visión ya está tomando forma. Sus contribuciones, incluyendo una parte de los fondos que excedieron nuestra meta en la Campaña Católica Anual 2024, nos han permitido realizar mejoras importantes en nuestra iglesia.

Uno de los logros más significativos es nuestro nuevo atrio de vidrio, llamado con mucho cariño la Sala de la Sagrada Familia. Este espacio, lleno de luz y accesible desde la iglesia principal y la capilla, está decorado con un techo de vidrio resplandeciente. Está diseñado como un lugar acogedor para grupos de oración, ministerios y reuniones. Además, me emociona anunciar que la hermosa estatua de madera de la Sagrada Familia—Jesús, María y José—que una vez adornó el santuario de la antigua iglesia de Santa Margarita María, será colocada de manera permanente en esta sala. Este detalle especial nos conecta espiritualmente con nuestra historia y nos recuerda el amor y devoción de los fieles que formaron parte de aquella comunidad.

Hemos realizado también renovaciones en los jardines de la iglesia y la rectoría. Nuevos árboles y plantas embellecen el paisaje, creando un ambiente de paz y oración que fue particularmente especial durante la temporada navideña. En primavera, flores frescas añadirán más belleza, convirtiendo nuestros jardines en un oasis de serenidad. Asimismo, instalamos nuevas luminarias en el estacionamiento parroquial para garantizar la seguridad de todos durante la noche.

Otro proyecto importante, muy cercano a mi corazón, es la restauración de la torre de la campana de la iglesia y la instalación de un nuevo sistema de carillón. Gracias a la generosa donación de un feligrés fallecido que amaba profundamente nuestra iglesia, pronto escucharemos nuevamente el hermoso repique de nuestra campana, junto con música sagrada que resonará en horarios litúrgicos específicos. Esta tradición, tan arraigada en las iglesias católicas, une a nuestra comunidad con el legado eterno de nuestra fe.

Mientras caminamos juntos por el Tiempo Ordinario, les invito a vivir este periodo no como algo rutinario, sino como una etapa de transformación espiritual. Es una oportunidad para fortalecer nuestra fe y profundizar nuestra relación con Cristo. Cada domingo, cada pequeño paso en el ministerio de Jesús y cada mejora en nuestra parroquia están interconectados, guiándonos hacia una comprensión más rica de nuestra misión como comunidad.

Aprovechemos este tiempo con entusiasmo, generosidad y un espíritu de gratitud. Que el Tiempo Ordinario sea un recordatorio constante de la alegría de vivir en la luz de Cristo.

Con mis oraciones y bendiciones,

Mons. Cuong M. Pham

September 29, 2024

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On this 26th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Word of God speaks to our present challenges. The Scriptures remind us of the purpose of God’s law, the call to prophecy, and the urgent need for justice. As we reflect on these themes, they resonate with the choices we face today, especially in light of the upcoming presidential election.
The refrain from the Responsorial Psalm reminds us that “the precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart.” (Ps 19:8). These are not burdens, but paths to freedom and peace. The psalmist tells us that “the law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul,” and that “the ordinances of the Lord are true, all of them just.” (Ps 19:9) The laws of God are rooted in the very fabric of creation. Just as physical laws like gravity and entropy govern the material world, God’s moral law governs the human heart and soul. When we stray from these divine laws, we encounter disorder, injustice, and suffering. As Christians, we are called to stand up for the intrinsic moral order by which God created us, just as Moses and the prophets did.
This is why the role of a Christian prophet is so important. In the First Reading from Numbers, Moses expresses his deep desire, “Would that all the people of the Lord were prophets!” (Nm 11:25-29). This is not a wish meant only for ancient Israel. It is a call to each of us, here and now. Through our baptism, we have been anointed as prophets—anointed to speak God’s truth boldly, to stand for justice, and to defend the dignity of every human person.
But being a prophet today is no easy task. In a world where truth is often distorted, where human laws sometimes reflect self-interest instead of justice, and where the dignity of human life is too often disregarded, we are called to stand up and be counted. The reading from James reminds us of the dangers of greed, exploitation, and the misuse of power. It is a prophetic call to reject any system, policy or law that oppresses the poor, marginalizes the vulnerable, or turns a blind eye to injustice (cf. Jas 5:1-6).
As we approach the election, we face a critical question: How do we discern which leaders and policies will bring us closer to God’s justice? How do we ensure that our votes uphold the dignity of every person—from the unborn child to the elderly? These are not abstract moral concerns but the real decisions we must make.
The Church teaches that voting is a moral act, a chance to witness our faith by applying God’s principles to shape society. But we must approach this responsibility with humility, prayer, and a well-formed conscience. Too often, it is tempting to follow convenience or political alignment. Yet as prophets, we are called to stand for God’s truth, even when it challenges popular opinion.
This election is not simply about choosing a leader—it is about shaping the soul of our nation. In this moment of confusion and division, remember that we are not alone. The Holy Spirit, who empowered Moses and the seventy elders, is with us today. We are called to be bold witnesses to the Gospel, not silent bystanders.
As we move toward the election, I urge you to reflect on today’s readings. Pray for the grace to be true prophets of God in your choices. Form your conscience well, study the Church’s teachings, and vote in a way that reflects the values of God’s Kingdom.
May the Holy Spirit guide us in this critical time, and may we, like the prophets before us, stand boldly for the truth of God’s law.
In Christ’s love,
Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

29 DE SEPTIEMBRE, 2024

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Queridos hermanos y hermanas,
En este 26º Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, la Palabra de Dios nos ilumina en medio de los desafíos que enfrentamos hoy. Las Escrituras nos recuerdan la importancia de la ley de Dios, el llamado a la profecía y la urgente necesidad de justicia. Estos temas son particularmente relevantes mientras nos preparamos para las elecciones presidenciales y enfrentamos la responsabilidad de formar nuestras conciencias para tomar decisiones que estén de acuerdo con la ley de Dios.
El Salmo Responsorial nos recuerda que “los mandamientos del Señor alegran el corazón” (Salmo 18, 8). Sus mandamientos no son cargas, sino caminos hacia la libertad y la paz. El salmista nos dice que “la ley del Señor es perfecta, reconforta el alma” y que “los preceptos del Señor son rectos, todos ellos justos” (ibid.). Las leyes de Dios están enraizadas en la misma creación. Así como las leyes físicas como la gravedad rigen el mundo material, la ley moral de Dios gobierna el corazón y el alma humana. Cuando nos alejamos de estas leyes divinas, encontramos desorden, injusticia y sufrimiento. Como cristianos, estamos llamados a defender ese orden moral intrínseco con el que Dios nos creó, tal como lo hicieron Moisés y los profetas.
En la Primera Lectura, Moisés expresa su deseo: “¡Ojalá que todo el pueblo del Señor fuera profeta!” (Num 11, 25-29). A través del bautismo, hemos sido ungidos como profetas, llamados a proclamar la verdad de Dios con valentía, a defender la justicia y a proteger la dignidad de cada persona humana. Este llamado es un desafío, porque ser profeta hoy no es una tarea sencilla. Vivimos en un mundo donde la verdad se distorsiona, donde las leyes humanas a menudo reflejan intereses propios en lugar de la verdadera justicia, y donde la dignidad de la vida humana es ignorada. Santiago, en su carta, nos advierte sobre los peligros de la codicia, la explotación y el abuso del poder, y nos recuerda que debemos rechazar cualquier sistema, política o ley que oprima a los pobres o margine a los vulnerables (cfr. Sant 5, 1-6).
Al acercarse las elecciones, enfrentamos una pregunta crucial: ¿Cómo discernir qué líderes y políticas nos acercan más a la justicia del Reino de Dios? ¿Cómo asegurarnos de que nuestras decisiones respeten la dignidad de cada persona, desde el no nacido hasta el anciano? Estas no son cuestiones morales abstractas, sino decisiones concretas que debemos tomar con responsabilidad.
La Iglesia nos enseña que votar es un acto moral, una oportunidad para aplicar nuestra fe en la configuración de la sociedad. Pero debemos hacerlo con humildad, oración y una conciencia bien formada. A menudo es tentador seguir lo que es conveniente o lo que está alineado con nuestras preferencias políticas. Sin embargo, como profetas, estamos llamados a defender la verdad de Dios, incluso cuando va en contra de la opinión popular.
En este momento de confusión y división, recordemos que no estamos solos. El Espíritu Santo, que fortaleció a Moisés y a los setenta ancianos, también está con nosotros hoy. Somos llamados a ser testigos valientes del Evangelio, no simples espectadores silenciosos.
Los invito, a medida que se acercan las elecciones, a reflexionar profundamente sobre las lecturas de hoy. Pidamos la gracia de ser verdaderos profetas de Dios en nuestras decisiones. Formemos bien nuestra conciencia, estudiemos las enseñanzas de la Iglesia y votemos de una manera que refleje los valores del Reino de Dios.
Que el Espíritu Santo nos guíe en este tiempo crucial y que, como los profetas antes de nosotros, tengamos el valor de defender la verdad de la ley de Dios.
Con amor en Cristo,
Mons. Cuong M. Pham

August 4, 2024

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we gather for this 18th Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Scripture readings invite us to reflect deeply on the true nourishment that sustains our lives. Our first reading from the Book of Exodus recounts how God provided manna for the Israelites in the wilderness, a miraculous sustenance that satisfied their physical hunger. In our Gospel reading, Jesus declares, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me will never hunger, and whoever believes in me will never thirst” (Jn 6:35). By introducing Himself as the Bread of Life, Jesus shows that He offers sustenance not just for the body, but for the soul. The food Jesus offers us is His very self.

In today’s world, we are surrounded by an abundance of food and drink, easily accessible and plentiful. From fast-food chains to supermarkets overflowing with choices, it’s clear that many of us are well-fed physically. However, this abundance often contrasts sharply with our spiritual lives. We see a culture consumed with satisfying physical hunger while neglecting the deeper hunger of the soul.

Jesus uses the crowd’s concern with physical bread to teach a profound spiritual truth. He tells them, “Do not work for food that perishes but for the food that endures for eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you” (Jn 6:27). The Responsorial Psalm reinforces this message: “One does not live on bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God” (Mt 4:4b). Thus, we are reminded that while physical nourishment is necessary, it is not sufficient. We are called to seek the spiritual nourishment that comes from a relationship with God, from living according to His word and His will.

The people who followed Jesus were looking for another miraculous feeding, another sign. But Jesus points them toward a greater reality—the need for faith. He emphasizes that believing in Him is the first and most crucial step in receiving this true bread, this true life. Jesus is not merely referring to physical bread but to His role as the source of spiritual life and sustenance. To partake in this bread is to enter into a deeper, more intimate relationship with God.

The Holy Eucharist, which we celebrate at every Mass, is the ultimate expression of this spiritual nourishment. In the Eucharist, we receive Jesus Himself, the Bread of Life, who sustains us and transforms us. This is not just a symbolic act; it is a sacramental encounter with the Real Presence of Christ, offering us a new relationship with God. It is precisely this Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist that sets our Catholic faith apart from all other spiritual traditions and faith communities. The Eucharist is not merely a symbolic representation or a memorial meal; it is the actual Body and Blood of Christ, given to us under the appearances of bread and wine. This mystery, unique to our faith, invites us to encounter Jesus in a deeply personal and transformative way.

As we go forth this week, let us be mindful of the nourishment we seek. While we take care to feed our bodies, let us not neglect the feeding of our souls. Let us come to the Eucharist with hearts full of faith, ready to receive the Bread of Life, and be transformed by it. In doing so, we will find the strength and grace to live out our faith in love and service to others, truly embodying the message of Christ in our daily lives.

In Christ, the Bread of Life,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

July 28, 2024

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Dear Parishioners,

As the Church in the United States embarks on a period of Eucharistic Renewal, highlighted by the recent National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, it is an opportune time to reflect on the profound gift of the Holy Eucharist. The Readings for the 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time offer us powerful Eucharistic themes. In 2 Kings 4:42-44, the miraculous feeding of a hundred men with twenty barley loaves prefigures the greater miracle in John 6:1-15, where Jesus feeds five thousand with five barley loaves and two fish. These events highlight the abundance of God’s providence and the spiritual nourishment we receive through the Eucharist.

The Eucharist is not merely a symbol but the true Real Presence of Jesus Christ—His Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1374). The Catechism instructs us to be respectful as we approach and return from the Altar. The General Instruction of the Roman Missal advises: “When receiving Holy Communion, the communicant bows his or her head before the Sacrament as a gesture of reverence and receives the Body of the Lord from the minister” (GIRM 160). In practice, when the priest holds up the Host and says, “The Body of Christ,” the communicant should audibly respond, “Amen”, meaning “Yes, it is true”. If Communion is received in the hand, the hands should first of all be clean. If one is right-handed, the left hand should rest upon the right. The host will then be laid in the palm of the left hand and then taken by the right hand to the mouth. If one is left-handed this is reversed. It is not appropriate to reach out with the fingers and take the host from the person distributing. Then, it is imperative that everyone consumes the Host in the presence of the priest or minister before turning to return to the pew.

Reception of the Holy Eucharist is a privilege, not a right, and we must never take this reception for granted. To receive the Eucharist worthily, the Church instructs us to abstain from food and drink (except water and medicine) for at least one hour before Communion (Canon 919 §1). This fast is a sign of respect and a way to prepare our hearts for receiving Christ. Additionally, we must be in a state of grace, free from mortal sin, to receive Communion. If one is aware of having committed a grave sin, a sacramental confession is required before approaching the Eucharist (Canon 916). Receiving Communion in a state of mortal sin is itself a serious sin of sacrilege.

If someone is conscious of grave sin and unable to confess beforehand, they must make an act of perfect contrition, which includes a sincere resolution to confess as soon as possible (Canon 916). Additionally, those unable to receive the Eucharist can engage in “spiritual communion,” expressing a sincere desire to unite with Christ and a commitment to seek sacramental confession at the earliest opportunity.

Occasionally, I have noticed that some individuals do not consume the Consecrated Host immediately after receiving it. In some instances, the Host is taken away or even placed in a pocket, which is not permissible. The Host must be consumed immediately in front of the priest or minister. To ensure the sanctity of the Eucharist, I ask everyone, especially the ushers, who should always stand reverently on either side of the communion line, to be vigilant. If you see someone walking away with the Host in hand, please gently remind them to consume it immediately, or firmly ask them to return it to you if necessary.

Thank you for your cooperation. I am continually inspired by the devotion and respect our parish community shows during Mass. Together, let us embody the ancient Christian principle, “lex orandi, lex credendi”—how we pray reflects what we believe.

Yours in Christ,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

June 23, 2024

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Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we gather on this Twelfth Sunday of Ordinary Time, the Scriptures from today’s Mass deliver a profound message of hope, resonating deeply with my own journey through life’s tempests and the unwavering presence of God.

Growing up amidst the chaos of the Vietnam War, facing its traumatic aftermath, and resettling in the United States as a teenager, I have encountered many hardships that tested my faith. As your priest, I am privileged to accompany you through your own trials—be it poverty, illness, distress, or other challenges. Daily, people in profound need seek solace and hope within our Church, and I find myself deeply engaged, striving to offer compassion and empathy, even amidst my own burdens.

Yet, amid these personal and communal challenges, the truth that only God can calm life’s storms remains evident. Our faith, tested in moments of vulnerability, emerges stronger. Like the disciples on the Sea of Galilee, panicked amidst a violent storm, I too have felt the Lord’s reassuring presence when most needed. Jesus’ calming presence reminds us that even amidst seemingly insurmountable problems, He is with us—often in quiet whispers, extended hands, promises of prayer, or gestures of support.

This Sunday’s Gospel illuminates our human experience of navigating stormy times—a call to lean on Christ not only in crises but in every moment of our lives. Reflect on your own experiences and recognize where Christ has been present. Recall those instances when you reached out in panic, feeling His calming presence just as despair seemed to take hold. Jesus’ calming of the turbulent sea is not just symbolic; it’s a promise of His control over life’s chaos, a lesson that even when our faith wavers, His immediate response to our cries assures us of His guidance to safety.

Our hope amidst life’s storms lies in trusting Jesus, listening attentively for His gentle whisper, assured that He is always near. Christ is our anchor, and our faith in Him, alongside the love and support of our Church community, will guide us through any tempest.

I am filled with profound gratitude to God that, despite the storms I’ve faced, none have dimmed my positive outlook on life or my joyful spirit. On the contrary, these trials have strengthened my faith that Christ journeys with me, guiding me through tumultuous waters.

In closing, I wish to share with you the joyous news that I recently had the privilege to concelebrate the Mass of Thanksgiving with newly ordained Father Joseph V. Nguyen “JV” in North Vietnam. It was a celebration marked by profound joy and moving testimonies of faith, reminding us of the enduring power of God’s presence in our lives. Like me, this young priest has been through so many hardships in life, but they have only served to strengthen his religious commitment. His story is an inspiring illustration of Jesus’ transforming power in our lives, showing us that even amidst life’s greatest challenges, God’s grace sustains and empowers us.

Additionally, having spent a few days in Hanoi, North Vietnam, I will now journey to Saigon, South Vietnam, to be present at my spiritual son’s Mass of Thanksgiving, Father Joseph C. Le. This part of the trip allows me to visit my former parish where I was born and raised, and to spend time with my extended family. Rest assured that I will always remember you at the Altar each day.

In prayerful solidarity,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham

23 de Junio de 2024

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Queridos hermanos y hermanas en Cristo,

Al reunirnos en este Duodécimo Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario, las Escrituras de la Misa de hoy nos entregan un mensaje profundo de esperanza, que resuena profundamente con mi propio camino a través de las tempestades de la vida y la presencia constante de Dios.

Crecí en medio del caos de la Guerra de Vietnam, enfrentando sus traumáticas secuelas y reasentándome en Estados Unidos siendo adolescente, he enfrentado numerosas dificultades que pusieron a prueba mi fe. Como su sacerdote, tengo el privilegio de acompañarles en sus propias pruebas, ya sea pobreza, enfermedad, angustia u otros desafíos. A diario, personas con grandes necesidades buscan consuelo y esperanza en nuestra Iglesia, y me encuentro profundamente comprometido, esforzándome por ofrecer compasión y empatía, aún en medio de mis propias cargas.

Sin embargo, en medio de estos desafíos personales y comunitarios, la verdad de que solo Dios puede calmar las tormentas de la vida permanece evidente. Nuestra fe, probada en momentos de vulnerabilidad, emerge más fuerte. Como los discípulos en el Mar de Galilea, atemorizados en medio de una violenta tormenta, yo también he sentido la presencia tranquilizadora del Señor cuando más lo necesitaba. La presencia calmante de Jesús nos recuerda que incluso en medio de problemas aparentemente insuperables, Él está con nosotros, a menudo en susurros suaves, manos extendidas, promesas de oración o gestos de apoyo.

El Evangelio de este Domingo ilumina nuestra experiencia humana de navegar tiempos tormentosos: un llamado a apoyarnos en Cristo no solo en crisis, sino en cada momento de nuestras vidas. Reflexionen sobre sus propias experiencias y reconozcan dónde ha estado presente Cristo. Recuerden aquellos momentos en que buscaron desesperadamente, sintiendo Su presencia tranquilizadora justo cuando el desespero parecía apoderarse. La calma de Jesús sobre el mar turbulento no es solo simbólica; es una promesa de Su control sobre el caos de la vida, una lección de que incluso cuando nuestra fe vacila, Su respuesta inmediata a nuestros clamores nos asegura Su guía hacia la seguridad.

Nuestra esperanza en medio de las tormentas de la vida radica en confiar en Jesús, escuchando atentamente Su suave susurro, seguros de que Él siempre está cerca. Cristo es nuestro ancla, y nuestra fe en Él, junto con el amor y apoyo de nuestra comunidad eclesial, nos guiará a través de cualquier tempestad.

Estoy lleno de profunda gratitud hacia Dios porque, a pesar de las tormentas que he enfrentado, ninguna ha oscurecido mi visión positiva de la vida ni mi espíritu alegre. Por el contrario, estas pruebas han fortalecido mi fe de que Cristo camina conmigo, guiándome a través de aguas tumultuosas.

Para concluir, deseo compartirles la buena noticia de que recientemente tuve el privilegio de concelebrar la Misa de Acción de Gracias con el recién ordenado Padre Joseph V. Nguyen “JV” en el Norte de Vietnam. Fue una celebración marcada por una alegría profunda y conmovedores testimonios de fe, que nos recuerdan el poder perdurable de la presencia de Dios en nuestras vidas. Al igual que yo, este joven sacerdote ha enfrentado muchas dificultades en la vida, pero solo han servido para fortalecer su compromiso religioso. Su historia es una inspiradora ilustración del poder transformador de Jesús en nuestras vidas, mostrándonos que incluso en medio de los mayores desafíos de la vida, la gracia de Dios nos sostiene y fortalece.

Además, después de pasar unos días en Hanói, Vietnam del Norte, ahora viajaré a Saigón, Vietnam del Sur, para estar presente en la Misa de Acción de Gracias de mi hijo espiritual, el Padre Joseph C. Le. Esta parte del viaje me permite visitar mi antigua parroquia donde nací y crecí, y pasar tiempo con mi familia extendida. Tengan la seguridad de que siempre los recordaré en el Altar cada día.

En solidaridad en la oración,

Mons. Cuong M. Pham

June 9, 2024

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My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

With great joy, I share the extraordinary news from our parish. Last Saturday, June 1, transitional Deacon Randy Nguyen, a cherished son of our parish and my spiritual son, was ordained a priest by Bishop Robert Brennan at St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral in Brooklyn. The following day, Father Randy celebrated his First Mass of Thanksgiving at our parish. The Mass was a beautiful and deeply moving ceremony, followed by an uplifting celebration. It was a day filled with grace and joy. My heartfelt thanks go to all who contributed to the event. As Bishop Ray Chappetto and Bishop Paul Sanchez have observed, our parish truly shines when we unite in faith and love.

I am thrilled to announce that Father Randy has been assigned to St. Patrick’s Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn for five years. We were honored to have his new pastor, Father Brian P. Dowd; our former pastor Msgr. Sean G. Ogle; and about forty priests concelebrating at his Mass of Thanksgiving. We wish Father Dowd and the St. Patrick’s Church community abundant blessings as they welcome Father Randy into their parish family. Rest assured, Father Randy will visit us whenever possible, so we may continue to benefit from his presence and ministry.

In addition, I am overjoyed to share that another spiritual son of mine, Joseph Cong Le, was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Raleigh, North Carolina, also last Saturday. I have supported Father Joseph’s vocation since his seminary days at St. John’s University in Queens. This past weekend was uniquely special for me, seeing two of my spiritual sons ordained as priests. Although I could not attend Father Joseph’s Ordination and First Mass in Raleigh, I have promised to make it up by joining him for another Mass of Thanksgiving this weekend in his Diocese.

Moreover, a dear friend of our parish, JV Vien Nguyen, was also ordained a priest in the Diocese of Allentown, Pennsylvania, on the same day and time as Fathers Randy and Joseph. Father JV has served our parish for two summers as a seminarian and has been an active and beloved presence, particularly among our daily Mass attendees and youth. He is now assigned to St. Catherine of Sienna’s parish in Reading, Pennsylvania. God willing, Father JV will return to visit us, allowing us to congratulate him in person.

These joyous events signify a springtime in the Church concerning priestly vocations. While many of these new priests come from Vietnam and other countries, they embody the rich diversity of our American Church. Please keep all our new priests in your prayers.

I am excited to share that I will be traveling to Vietnam for three weeks, starting next week. This trip will allow me to visit my own spiritual father in Saigon, the priest who inspired my vocation. Additionally, I will accompany our newly ordained priests as they return to celebrate their Masses of Thanksgiving with their families, most of whom could not attend their ordination here.

Entering my fourth year as your pastor, I hope you recognize how deeply priestly and religious vocations matter to me. As St. John Paul II declared, “Without priests, there would be no Eucharist!” One of the most fulfilling aspects of my ministry has been cultivating a “culture of vocation” in our parish across all ethnic communities. I dream of sending more young men into the seminary to ensure a bright future for our Church. I cannot accomplish this alone; I need everyone to join me in this crucial task.

Until we meet again in three weeks, know that you will be in my prayers, especially at the tombs of the Vietnamese Martyrs in North Vietnam, where four of my ancestors witnessed to Christ unto death, seeding a strong Catholic faith in my native land.

Peace in Christ,

Msgr. Cuong M. Pham