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December 22, 2020Dear Family and Friends,
May this Advent bring you closer to Jesus and his Mother. May the joy of Christmas radiate through you to those you love.
It has been a challenging year for all of us. When Covid-19 hit our land early this year, we were caught off guard. We did not prepare to stay away from the Church, community, families, and in person worship for such a prolonged time. The pandemic changed our lives in many ways. Personally, serving our community during this time, I am reminded of three beautiful lessons.
First, the Lord is still in charge. Everything shall pass, and He will remain forever. The virus does not stop Him from doing miracles in the lives of His people. He continues to gather, feed, and care for us. Those who could not go out found live-streamed Masses and Devotions spiritual lifesavers as they were nurtured by God's word and the faithful community.
Second, our Faith is more potent than viruses and death. Our Faith binds us together in a time of distress. Our Faith has proven to be life-sustaining food as Covid-19 brings death and fear to the world and each of us. Inspired by our Faith, many of us walked extra miles to provide faith formation, spiritual package, and on-going support for those in need. We thank you very much to all those who participate in small or big ways.
Third, St. Catherine Parish is a small-but-mighty community. As a community, we never left the Lord during this time. We continue to gather virtually and in-person to celebrate our Faith. We support the Church wholeheartedly. We never stop sharing our blessings with our neighbors in need. We were so grateful for your support and prayers that help to maintain our community financially and spiritually. We believe that COVID-19, while terrifying and destructive, unveils the most profound spiritual truths that if we continue to remain faithful and committed to His mission as a community and individual faithful; we will survive and thrive regardless of the situation.
These lessons will go with me as I continue my journey as the Pastor of St. Joseph, Mission San Jose, Fremont, CA, effective on January 1st, 2021. I thank our Bishop and you all for three years of graces and challenges. Together with you, I have grown so much. I have learned to serve and love both in good and in bad times. Please continue to pray for me and especially for Fr. Michael Nufable as he comes to serve St. Catherine of Siena Parish and School. He is a good man and a good priest whose love for God and our Holy Mother Church is contagious and worthy of admiration. He speaks English without an accent, and he understands American culture very well as a person of Filipino descent. He has unwavering obedience to the teachings of the Church and our Bishop. Please love and support him from earth to heaven and back!
May the Lord of love and mercy award you all for your support, prayers, and gifts to the parish, and me personally these past three years and three months. Please know that I will pray and hold all of you in my heart.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and your family.
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Anthony Le
Parochial Administrator
