The time has come for me to say farewell to all of you as I prepare to move to St. Anne Church in Union City. It is not easy to say goodbye to the people I have been blessed to serve as Parochial Vicar of St. Raymond Parish for the past seven years.

I have come to love this parish community deeply. Together, we have worshiped God, worked alongside our pastors, and helped build up the local Church for the glory of God and the salvation of His people. These years have been a great blessing in my life and ministry.

I know that my English has not always been perfect when proclaiming the Good News to this community. Yet you have always been patient, understanding, and encouraging. Your kindness and generosity allowed me to carry out God’s work and helped me learn how to serve more effectively. For this, I am deeply grateful.

I would especially like to thank my English tutors—Mrs. Cristina Chong, Mrs. Gay Hyde, Deacon Rob Falco, and Mr. Ray O’Brien—who have helped me over the years improve my English and communicate more confidently in ministry.

Finally, I thank all of you, the parishioners of St. Raymond, for your prayers, support, friendship, and faithfulness. Thank you for praying for me, for celebrating the Holy Mass with me, and for accompanying me throughout these years. I will always cherish the memories we have shared together.

Please keep me in your prayers as I begin this new assignment, and be assured that I will continue to remember you in my prayers and at the altar.

May God bless you and your families abundantly.

With gratitude and affection in Christ,

Fr. Mark Hoc Kieu

(For the 11th Sunday of Ordinary Time, 2026)