Latest Message from the Administrator’s Desk: Fr. Ton Nguyen – October 25, 2026

A ROAD MAP

“Sarah, Mary, and Henry, are you ready?”

Nervously, but with a little confidence, the three children formed a line for their altar server training. Step by step, under Ms. Linda’s guidance, they learned what to do, where to stand, and how to serve at Mass. As the training continued, their nervousness gradually turned into confidence. By the end, they excitedly asked, “When can we start serving?” Beautiful, isn’t it? They were ready to take the next step!

Their excitement reminded me of this Sunday’s Gospel, when a scholar of the law tested Jesus by asking, “Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” Jesus answered: Love God with all your heart, soul, and mind, and love your neighbor as yourself. Simple enough, right? But where do we start?

Well, we can talk about loving God and our neighbor all day long. But unless we take the first step, love remains a nice thought or a beautiful idea. Perhaps take a pause and look at our own road map. Is the road we are taking leading us toward heaven and helping us become saints?

Maybe you are still a seeker, wondering who God is and what He wants for your life. Perhaps you already believe in Jesus but desire to know Him more deeply through Scripture, prayer, and the Eucharist. Or maybe you are ready to become a missionary disciple, helping others encounter Christ. Wherever we are on this journey, Jesus meets us there and invites us to take the next step.

As we continue walking together as a parish family, I hope our road map will help us discover three important truths.

First, God loves us dearly. Our lives are not simply about ourselves. God created each of us out of love, for a beautiful purpose, and to be with Him forever in heaven. Before we accomplish anything, we are already loved by Him before the foundation of the world.

Second, Christ is the center of our lives. As a family of faith, we accompany one another in seeking to know Jesus, love Him, follow Him, and remain in Him – the Author of Life and our Savior.

Third, we are called to become missionary disciples. Having encountered Christ and been nourished by His love, we are sent to share the Good News through loving service. As St. Teresa of Calcutta beautifully said, “I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world.”

Friends, every saint began by taking a step. Like St. Francis of Assisi, we may not see the entire road ahead, but we can trust the Lord who calls us. And if you make a wrong turn? Well, thank God for GPS! Take the next exit, turn around, and get back on the road. God’s mercy is always available!

Speaking of taking steps together, here are a few upcoming opportunities: our Fall Craft Fair on Sunday, October 25, from 8:30 AM to 2 PM; Catholic Bereavement Sessions with Fr. Paul on Mondays from 6 PM to 7:30 PM; and Mass & Mingle on Sunday, November 1, after the 11 AM Mass.

Remember what little Celine taught me: “Jesus and I, together, forever.” What a beautiful road map for life!

I love being a priest.

JMJ,
Fr. Ton Nguyen
Administrator of St. Mother Theodore Guerin Parish