From Fr. Viet
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
With a heart filled with mixed emotions, I write this farewell message to express my deep gratitude and affection as I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my journey as a priest. It is with a sense of both sadness and excitement that I bid farewell to the beloved community of the Church of Ascension, which has been my home for the past four years.
As I reflect upon my time here, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the countless blessings and graces that God has bestowed upon me. Each day, I have witnessed the power of faith and the transformative love of our Lord working through the lives of each one of you. Your unwavering commitment to your faith has been an inspiration to me, and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside you.
Throughout my time here, your prayers have been a source of immense strength and support. The knowledge that I was lifted up in prayer by this community has sustained me through both the joys and challenges of my ministry. Your prayers have been a reminder that we are all interconnected, united in our faith, through Jesus Christ.
I am particularly grateful for the trust you placed in me during the most intimate moments of your lives. It has been an honor and a privilege to celebrate the sacraments with you, to witness the baptism of your children, to bless your marriages, and to accompany you in times of grief and loss. These sacred moments have deepened my own faith and have enriched my faith in the profound love that God has for each of us.
As I prepare to take on new responsibilities as the Pastor of three small parishes in rural Kansas, I carry with me the memories and experiences I have shared with all of you. You have left an indelible mark on my heart, and I will forever cherish the relationships we have formed and the moments we have shared.
Let us continue to support and pray for one another, even as our paths diverge. I have no doubt that this community will continue to grow in faith, love, and service, guided by the Holy Spirit. As I move forward, please know that you will remain in my prayers, and I humbly ask for your prayers as well, that God may grant me the strength and wisdom to shepherd the new flock entrusted to my care.
No matter the distance that separates us, God continues to unite us through the celebration of the Mass, for we all share and participate in the one Mass that is celebrated in Heaven for all eternity. I pray that you continue to grow in faith, so that Jesus Christ in the Eucharist will truly be the source and summit of your lives.
God bless; you all will be in my thoughts, love, and prayers,
Fr. Viet
Thank You, Fr. Viet!
It is with mixed emotions that I bid Fr. Viet farewell and best wishes. While I am overjoyed that he will have the opportunity to now be a pastor, especially a pastor of rural parishes which always possess a special charm – I am also saddened to see him leave his fruitful ministry here at Ascension.
It has been such a great joy to work alongside Fr. Viet. He was an immense help to me when I first came here, helping me to get acclimated to the parish. But more than that, he has touched the hearts of so many parishioners and families in our parish. His cheerful demeanor, genuine faith, and wonderful ability to pastorally engage those who struggle or seek guidance has been a blessing to so many.
As he begins this new chapter in the story of his priestly service, I want to assure him of my prayers and the prayers of this community. We will certainly miss him, but we wish him well and know that he will be an immense blessing to the individuals and families of St. Vincent DePaul, Onaga; St. Patrick Parish, Corning; and St. Bede Parish, Kelly. We hope he will come back and visit often. Please take time to tell him thanks and wish him well in his new pastoral assignment.
Sincerely in Christ,
