THANH YOU, SALAMAT, CÁM ƠN
On this Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, we are drawn back to the Jordan River, where Heaven opens and the Father’s voice is heard: “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” As Bishop-elect Dai Bui reminded us in his homily, these words were not spoken only for Jesus on the banks of the Jordan. They reveal a foundational truth of our faith: before we are called to do anything, before we are sent on mission, before any responsibility entrusted to us, we are first and always beloved by the Father.
Standing here today, having been installed as pastor of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, I receive that same message with humility and gratitude. Like Christ stepping into the waters of the Jordan, I step forward not relying on my own strength, but trusting in the Father’s faithfulness and in the presence of the Holy Spirit who guides the Church. The Father’s voice gives identity, mission, and hope—and it is that same voice that now sends us forward together.
I am deeply grateful to Bishop-elect Peter Bui for being with us today, for his friendship, his trust, and for entrusting me with this sacred responsibility. His encouragement and guidance have made this transition not only possible, but truly joyful. I am thankful for his prayers and support as I begin this ministry in full communion with the Church.
I also wish to express my sincere thanks to my brother priests, deacons, and religious sisters; to our pastoral and financial councils; to our parish staff and volunteers; and to all who contributed to making this liturgy so reverent and prayerful—our musicians, altar servers, ushers, lectors, sacristans, liturgical ministers, Knights of Columbus, and all who offered hospitality. Your generous and often unseen service is a visible sign of the Holy Spirit alive and at work among us in this parish.
Most of all, I thank you—the entire Holy Spirit Catholic Church family—for your warm welcome, your kindness, your prayers, and your encouragement. I am truly grateful to be called to walk with you, to serve you, and to grow together as a parish family rooted in faith, hope, and love.
Kính thưa cộng đoàn Thanh Linh thân mến,
Con xin chân thành cám ơn Tân Đức Cha Bùi đã tin tưởng trao phó cho con trách nhiệm mục vụ tại giáo xứ này. Con cũng hết lòng tri ân các cha đồng tế, các thầy phó tế, và quý tu sĩ, quý khách xa gần, đã hiện diện đồng hành và nâng đỡ con bằng tình huynh đệ và lời cầu nguyện.
Con xin cám ơn Ban Đại Diện cộng đoàn, quý ban ngành, hội đoàn, ca đoàn, các em giúp lễ, và tất cả anh chị em thiện giúp cho thánh lễ và tiệc hôm nay được tốt đẹp. Sự dấn thân phục vụ âm thầm của anh chị em chính là dấu chỉ Chúa Thánh Thần đang hoạt động trong cộng đoàn chúng ta.
Con đặc biệt cám ơn toàn thể gia đình Thanh Linh đã đón nhận con với tấm lòng rộng mở/ suốt năm tháng qua. Sự kiên nhẫn, cầu nguyện và khích lệ của quý OBACE là nguồn động viên lớn lao cho con.
Bước vào sứ vụ mới, con ý thức trách nhiệm Chúa trao thật nặng nề và con không thể một mình chu toàn. Vì thế, con xin quý OBACE tiếp tục cầu nguyện cho con, để con trung thành phục vụ đoàn chiên Chúa trao phó.
As we move forward together, may we never forget the Father’s voice we heard today. In moments of joy and in moments of challenge, may we always remember that we are God’s beloved sons and daughters. Trusting in His grace, strengthened by prayer, and guided by the Holy Spirit, let us continue this journey together—confident that the One who calls us will always sustain us.
Thank you very much and may God bless us all!
Fr. Long Phi Nguyen, SVD—Pastor
