St. Bartholomew Catholic Church

Dear St. Bartholomew Community,
Transition and change are difficult for all involved and there is a grieving process that takes place when people move, die, or otherwise leave our presence. St. Bartholomew has been privileged to have had Fr. Thinh as a resident for 15 years and now he has chosen to move on since we have sufficient help here, and to assist the parish of St. Joseph in Hawthorne to help with 11 weekend masses, work on his Spanish and continue to grow into the leader that God is calling him to become. We/I will miss him, and we will thank him appropriately later this year when he finishes assisting his priest friend who is going on sabbatical. I first met Fr. Thinh when I worked at the chancery, and he came to have his plans to study in Rome approved by my office (Director of Continuing Formation for Clergy) in 2006 and we have been friends ever since. We will miss his high-spirited presence, his humor, and his devout celebration of the Eucharist. However, we know in letting him go to continue his studies and growth he will be that great leader of our church (and, perhaps Archdiocese) that we know he already is. With great gratitude we say “farewell”; however, we will invite him back for a great fiesta when he has time in the months ahead. Pray for Fr. Thinh and for all of us who are asked to move and pull up roots in taking new assignments!
--Fr. Mark