Rev. Hùng TranParish Administrator · St John Baptist De La Salle

A Message from Fr. Tran

As you know, Fr. Ramon, who faithfully served as your pastor for 10 years, is now retired. We are grateful for his priestly dedication and service. We continue to pray that God's blessings may be abundant upon him, for he is "a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek." It is fortunate that he will continue to reside at St. John Baptist de La Salle, making himself available to the many friends he has made throughout the years. Allow me to briefly introduce myself. I am Fr. Tran, and I am now serving you as the parish administrator. In case you wonder, an administrator is essentially a "short-term" pastor, giving me a year to become acquainted with the parish. I like to think of it as an engagement or a period of formal courtship before marriage a time to become familiar with a new community before making a longer commitment. In any case, with your collaboration and support, I am confident that it will be a fruitful year for both me and St. John Baptist de La Salle, a lively, active, and faith-filled parish that has been known throughout the northern San Fernando Valley for more than seven decades for its outstanding commitment to faith formation, Catholic education, and community life under the heavenly care of its patron. I studied at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo and was ordained together with 13 classmates on May 30, 1998, for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. My most recent assignment was serving for 12 years as pastor of Nativity Parish in Torrance. My 28 years of priestly ministry have only deepened my love for the Sacraments, especially the Holy Eucharist, and for our Catholic faith. The Gospel according to Matthew for this Sunday, Fourth of July weekend, invites all of us to come to Jesus and be strengthened by his love, so that we may continue to live and serve in him. My hope is that all the faithful, together with our staff, ministers, and volunteers, will worship and work side by side in building the Kingdom of God in our midst. I look forward to seeing and meeting each of you in the days ahead. Peace in our Eucharistic Lord Jesus Christ!

Fr. Tran