Latest Message from the Administrator’s Desk: Fr. Ton Nguyen – October 4, 2026

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY?

Being in the middle of the ocean, surrounded by fresh air, blue sky, good friends, and, of course, casting a fishing line is one of my favorite hobbies. When I was in formation at Mundelein Seminary, once a year, during school breaks, I would visit some friends in Louisiana for a fishing trip. One year, when I arrived at their house, their daughter opened the door with her parents. Right away, she introduced herself: “Hello, Father. My name is Celine, and I am four years old.”

“Hi, Celine. Great to see you!”

Without a moment of hesitation, she continued, “Father, I would like to teach you something.”

“Alright, impress me, Celine!”

She held up her hands and said, “Jesus and I, together forever.” As she spoke, she put her two thumbs together, turned her hands around, and formed the shape of a heart. Very clever, isn’t she? She did it so quickly that I asked her to show me again. She looked at me and said, “Well, first you have to give me candy.” We all started laughing! Apparently, even spiritual lessons have a price!

Children have many things to teach us if we are humble enough to listen. Last month, we reflected on the story of St. Francis of Assisi – how he gradually discovered the gifts God had given him, embraced those gifts, and used them for the glory of God. We were also invited to discern our own gifts and complete our Stewardship Talent Opportunity Form. This month, I would like us to take another step with St. Francis and explore Franciscan spirituality – a way of living our Catholic faith by following Jesus through simplicity, humility, and love for God and His creation. And we can begin very simply: listen to the Gospel and live it.

This Sunday, Jesus reminds us: “The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; by the Lord has this been done, and it is wonderful in our eyes.”

Sometimes we are tempted not to see our own gifts. Maybe we think, I am too old. I am too young. I don’t have anything special to offer. Sometimes we also fail to recognize the gifts of others because of differences, past hurts, or our own expectations. Perhaps we need to take a step back and learn something from four-year-old Celine: Jesus and I, together forever.

Form that heart with Jesus first. Let Him be the cornerstone. Then look again – at yourself, your family, your neighbor, and our parish community. With humility and a heart centered on Christ, we begin to recognize God’s presence and the beautiful gifts He has placed in each of us. And speaking of seeing the gifts in one another, don’t forget Mass & Mingle this Sunday after the 11:00 AM Mass! Come to the Annex for coffee, cake, donuts, conversation, and fellowship. Who knows? Maybe someone there has something to teach you, too. Candy is optional.

I love being a priest.

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