New Administrator Assigned to St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish
Dear Parishioners of St. Mother Theodore Guerin,
Peace and blessings to you. My name is Fr. Ton Nguyen, and with great joy and gratitude I write to you as the priest who has been appointed to serve as your new administrator beginning July 1, 2026.
When I received the news, the words of St. Paul come to mind: “I give thanks to my God at every remembrance of you, praying always with joy… because of your partnership for the Gospel… I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:3–6).
First, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Fr. Paul for his faithful shepherding of this parish community. I know he has served you with dedication and love. Following a pastor who has cared so deeply for his parish is both an honor and a humbling responsibility. These are big shoes to fill, but I trust that with God’s grace – and with your prayers, support, and collaboration – we will continue the beautiful journey of faith that has already been nurtured here.
A little about myself: I was born and raised in Vietnam and later answered God’s call to the priesthood in the United States.
A fun fact: Fr. Paul is actually the one who introduced me to the Archdiocese of Chicago and helped me with the application to the seminary. I completed my formation at Mundelein Seminary and was ordained for the Archdiocese of Chicago in 2019. During my seminary years I served as an intern at St. Bernadette Parish in Evergreen Park and as a deacon at Mary, Seat of Wisdom Parish in Park Ridge. After ordination, I served as associate pastor at St. Julie Billiart Parish, and I am currently assigned to Holy Name Cathedral.
As I have begun learning about St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish, I have already been inspired by the many strengths of this community: a vibrant parish school, dedicated staff and ministry leaders, active liturgical life, and a parish family that cares deeply for one another. Like every parish community, you have also walked through moments of change and challenge. Yet such moments often become opportunities for renewal, growth, and deeper trust in God’s guidance.
Our patroness, St. Mother Theodore Guerin, teaches us something essential for that journey. When she arrived in Indiana in the 1800s, she faced uncertainty, hardship, and many challenges. Yet she trusted deeply in God’s providence and moved forward with courage, faith, and love. Her example reminds us that when we place our trust in the Lord and walk together, God can do beautiful things.
My hope is that together we will continue to grow as a Christ-centered parish-rooted in prayer, nourished by the Eucharist, welcoming to all, and committed to forming disciples of Jesus Christ. I look forward to listening to your stories, learning the history of this parish, supporting the school and ministries, and discerning together where the Holy Spirit is leading us. While I look forward to joining you soon, I warmly invite you – if you happen to be in the city – to visit Holy Name Cathedral and say hello while I am still here. Please know that I am already praying for you, and I ask for your prayers as well. I love being a priest and I look forward to meeting you, learning your stories, and walking together as disciples of Jesus Christ.
JMJ,
Fr. Ton Nguyen
New Administrator of St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish beginning July 1, 2026
Announcement from Father Paul Cao
St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parishioners,
I am happy to share that Father Ton Nguyen has been appointed as the new administrator of St. Mother Theodore Guerin as of July 1, 2026. Fr. Ton is a gifted priest who has most recently served as Associate Pastor of Holy Name Cathedral. As administrator, Fr. Ton will oversee the pastoral and administrative governance of our parish, with support from a mentor while the diocese continues to assess the right placement of a new pastor for our parish.
It has been a joy of my priesthood to serve St. Mother Theodore Guerin and I am confident that Fr. Ton will do a wonderful job in continuing all the great work that has been going on in this parish over the years.
Fr. Ton will share more with everyone in a letter to our parish soon. I ask all of you to keep him in your prayers. Coming into a new parish is both exciting and daunting for anyone, whether you’re a priest or a parishioner. We must seek God’s grace and ask Him to strengthen Fr. Ton as he says goodbye to one community and accepts the Lord’s call to shepherd ours. Let us also pray that God fills our hearts with gratitude for Fr. Ton and that we may continue to trust in His Providence for the renewal of our local Church.
Fr. Paul Cao
Pastor of St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish