Dear beloved parishioners of SFC in Christ,
My name is Fr. Joseph Tran. I am so blessed and humbled to be sent to serve and minister to this beautiful community of faith, St. Frances Cabrini. It is with great joy and gratitude that I introduce myself and share a glimpse of my priestly journey thus far.
I was born in 1985, in a small rural town, Ly Nhan – Ha Nam -Vietnam, where faith played a central role in the lives of its people and my family. From a young age, I felt a deep calling to serve God and His Church as an altar boy – a catechist, and other volunteer opportunities, which led me to discern a vocation to the priesthood. After graduating from law school 2008, through prayer, guidance, and the support of my family and spiritual mentors, I embarked on a path of formation and study to prepare myself for this sacred calling. I was then sent to study here in the U.S. in the Fall of 2010 as ESL student at Divine Word College in Iowa; as major seminarian of pre-theology (philosophy) and theology at the University of St Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary, Chicago from Fall 2012- Spring 2018; and doing pastoral year from Fall 2018-Fall 2019 at Holy Family, San Jose.
With God’s grace, I was ordained to the Order of Diaconate on January 4, 2020, and the Priesthood on September 7, 2020, with the nickname “Covid priest”.
I’ve had the privilege of experiencing and ministering in various parishes, both in my home diocese in Vietnam and in different parts of the US, ever since I studied in priestly formation in Chicago from May 2012. After completing my theological studies and receiving the necessary ordinations, I had served as a deacon from January 4, 2020, at Holy Family Parish, San Jose and as a priest from September 7, 2020, at Christ the King Church, San Jose. These experiences have enriched my understanding of the universal Church and allowed me to witness the beauty and diversity of God’s people.
Today, I am humbled and blessed to be entrusted under the Pastorship of Fr. James Okafor, to serve God’s people here at this wonderful parish. As your parochial priest, my primary mission is to assist our pastor and accompany each one of you on your spiritual journey, to celebrate the sacraments, and to nourish your souls with the Word of God. I am here to offer my support, to listen, and to share in both your joys and sorrows. I believe that together, as a faith community, we can grow in love and unity, deepening our relationship with God and with one another.
I met our pastor Fr. James at our parish & school staff meeting. I have learned that the vision for our church is one of vibrant faith, authentic worship, and compassionate service. I have been so excited and eager to be part of SFC. However, our pastor, staff, and I cannot make it happen without you, the beloved parishioners of SFC. I personally ask for your prayers, to help me to be a good priest as Jesus and the Church desire. I also encourage each of you to actively participate in the life of our community, to contribute your unique gifts and talents, and to foster a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere where all feel valued and loved.
I am excited to get to know each one of you personally, to learn about your stories, your hopes, and your aspirations. Let us embark on this journey together, as we strive to deepen our faith, to support one another, and to be the hands and feet of Christ in our world. I look forward to walking alongside you, praying with you, and witnessing the grace of God working in our lives. May the Holy Spirit guide us and may the intercession of our Blessed Mother Mary as well as our patroness, St. Frances of Cabrini, strengthen us on this journey together.
May God bless you abundantly, and may our time together be filled with His grace and blessings.
Sincerely Yours in Christ,
Fr. Joseph Tran