A Letter from Fr. Pascal

Dear friends at SJB,

First, I would like to thank Fr. Hildebrand for inviting me to write something to all of you on this weekend’s Pastor’s Corner. It is my opportunity to express my gratitude to all of you for your warm welcome when we all just arrived at the parish, your understanding and forgiveness for my shortcomings, your patience, your support, and most of all your love and prayers.

There are always new beginnings on our journey of life, and this is one of them. I am reminded of the providence of God from the Book of Ecclesiastes: “There is an appointed time for everything. And there is a time for every event under heaven— A time to give birth and a time to die; A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; A time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; A time to mourn and a time to dance.” (3:1-4) I have many memories of having the privilege of being with the families of SJB in all the different “times” of their lives over these precious years; joyful as well as sad times. I will treasure them always.

I know that when I began here, I was welcomed with open arms. I remember meeting Msgr. Daniel Brennan for the first time and asking him about Costa Mesa. After a few sick calls in the dark, I mentioned to Monsignor about how hard it is to look for address numbers in front of homes here. Monsignor went to his room, brought out his big six-volt yellow flashlight, and gave it to me. Sister Vianney was very kind too, and introduced me to her circle of friends and parents in the school. These and so many others who make SJB so special will forever be in my thoughts and prayers.

Now, I have a new “beginning” with the Expansion Project at the Abbey. It is an important task that Abbot Eugene has asked me to do, and it needs to be done for securing the future of the Abbey. I trust in God’s providence, as always, that He will provide for what we need and that this project will be completed in his own good time. I ask for your support and prayers, for without God’s help nothing is possible.

May God bless all of you for your generosity and kindness which you have shown to me over these years. May He, through the intercession of St. John the Baptist, keep you strong in your faith and help you to be joyful witnesses for Christ, our Lord and Redeemer.

Sincerely,

Rev. Pascal Bao Nguyen, O.Praem.
St. Michael’s Abbey
Silverado, CA 92676
(949) 858-0222

A Farewell to Fr. Pascal Nguyen, O.Praem.

FR. PASCAL'S FAREWELL MASS
Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 11:00 AM

Please join us for the reception in the Parish Hall immediately following the Mass, as we bid farewell and show our appreciation to

Fr. Pascal Nguyen, O.Praem.

for serving St. John the Baptist, since the arrival of the Norbertine Fathers six and a half years ago. Fr. Pascal’s service have touched the lives of all of us here at SJB parish community.

Fr. Pascal has begun his new assignment at St. Michael’s Abbey and its Expansion Project. The Abbey is in the process of expanding its present facilities to a more stable location.

To learn more about St. Michael’s Abbey and its Expansion Project, please visit www.StMichaelsAbbey.com or call (949) 858-0222.

May God bless him with health and success in all the endeavors which God has planned for him.

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What will you remember most about Fr. Pascal?

Please comment. Thanks.