September 9, 2018

​My Beloved Parishioners,
 
     How was your Labor Day weekend?  Did you enjoy your family, especially your little ones since they were off from school?  My Labor Day was full of labor work.  With the approval of the diocese, our parish recently bought the red brick house west of the rectory.  I was told that the diocese and the parish have been wanting to buy this house for the last 30 years as an addition to our property.  Our main reason for buying this house is to prevent a commercial business being put in so near to our church or to have any neighbors so close to us for the years to come.  The process of buying this house started last April or even earlier than that when Fr. H was still here.  Our Parish Council and Finance Committee were also involved in this process.  Finally, we were able to close this house last Friday, August 31.  For this reason, I have been working over there on my Labor Day.  I did have some time off to have my Labor Day dinner at my sister’s house.  Today as I am writing this message, I am a little beat up and tired.  Since the day I arrived at All Saints, I have been working with two contractors to see what needs to be done and how much it would cost to fix and renovate it as a priest’s residence.  More details about the house will be shared with you in my personal letter to every family which will be coming soon.  Last Saturday, I showed the house to our Parish Council and Finance Committee.  I also shared with them my vision and plans for fixing and renovating the house to accommodate two priests living in different parts of the house.  My plan is to make this house a long-lasting house for our church.  Please pray for me and those who will be working on it, including our volunteers.  I am sorry that I can’t show it now while it’s under construction.  Once it’s done, I will be happy to show it to everyone.  PLEASE be patient for it’s a virtue and you must pray for it and work at it daily.
     Sympathy is extended to the family of Glyn Laird, especially his wife Carol.  Glyn passed to eternal life on Tuesday, August 28th and his funeral Mass was celebrated last Friday, August 31st, here in our church.  God bless his soul and the souls of our loved ones.  Glyn was a Vietnam Veteran, a first Sergeant, and a retired Air Force Flight Engineer.  He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather.  I was so happy to see some of our All Saints children attend his funeral Mass.  When someone dies among us, I strongly encourage everyone, especially those who are available during the day such as those who are retired, to attend their funeral Mass.  We must support each other in times of sorrow and sadness.  We can’t be too busy to comfort those full of sorrow.  Our prayers bring healing, peace and hope to them.  Of course, our prayers also lead souls to heaven.
     Religion Classes: Our PSR classes are in session.  Please pray for our children.  Our RCIA is also in session.  The RCIA class in Vietnamese will start on Saturday, September 15th.
     Finally, Brother Knights, please join me for our monthly meeting this Monday, September 10th.  We will start with a rosary, a dinner and then I will give a talk.  I would love to see many brother Knights attend this special evening.  Thanks for all the work you have helped me with in our church and school since the day I arrived.  The parish and I are blessed with your many good works. 
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God bless everyone, Fr. Hien