Dear St. Simon Staff, Parishioners and especially the CFF Families and Volunteers,
This Sunday, June 23, will be my last day ministering at St. Simon, and my last day of staff at St. Simon Parish will be June 30. I will then embark on a two-week-long retreat and celebration of my older sister’s 25th religious life anniversary. On July 20, I will transition from St. Simon Convent to St. Catherine Priory and St. Catherine’s Academy in Anaheim. I will be an English Language Learner teacher at the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose’s all-boys, international day and boarding elementary school.
I am two-months shy of eight years of ministering at St. Simon Church. I gave my all and enjoyed our time together so much that the eight school years went by quickly.
My heart is brimming with profound gratitude for each of you and the immense love, care, support, and prayers you have showered upon me. Your dedication to the noble work at St. Simon Parish has been a wellspring of inspiration and joy that has also played a pivotal role in my personal, spiritual, and professional growth. We have woven a tapestry of beautiful work for the Parish, particularly in the Children’s Faith Formation at St. Simon Church.
Thank you Fr. Brendan and the Pastoral staff, for supporting my transition, planning a beautiful farewell Mass with community blessings and donuts, and posing for pictures on June 9th. I am overwhelmed with your love, care and expression of gratitude through the online notes, thank-you cards and many special gifts.
I hold dear in my heart and prayers all the precious love, care, support, and good work you have bestowed upon me and the Church. Your presence in my life and ministries at St. Simon Church has been invaluable, especially those who went out of their way to be the CFF volunteers and ministered closely with me.
Please keep in touch through my email at maryhan@msjdominicans.org and stop by St. Catherine’s Academy in Anaheim for a visit if you are in the area. You also can reach me by contacting the Dominican Sisters of Mission San Jose.
With God’s love and heartfelt gratitude,
Sr. Mary-Han Nguyen, OP