News & Events | August 31, 2026
Former novice master honored
“Planting a tree is a cherished custom at our Novitiate,” said Fr. Andrzej Sudol, SCJ. “Whenever a good friend or family member passes away, we gather to plant a tree in their memory. We celebrate the occasion with prayer, song, and fellowship.”
On Friday, August 28, the Novitiate community honored one of its own, planting a tree to remember Fr. Byron Haaland, SCJ. Novice Master for the US Province, Fr. Byron died on July 2, 2026.
“A newly planted tree gives us a beautiful responsibility,” continued Fr. Andrzej. “We care for it and water it regularly as it grows. At the same time, the tree becomes a living reminder of our loved ones and encourages us to continue praying for our deceased brothers, family members, and friends. As the tree grows, so too does our hope in the promise of eternal life.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who joined us and participated in this meaningful memorial for Fr. Byron. It was heartwarming to see so many people gathered together in prayer and fellowship. Thank you also to all those who helped prepare the ceremony and to everyone who offered words of encouragement, friendship and prayer. On behalf of the SCJ community at the Novitiate, thank you for helping us remember and honor Fr. Byron in such a beautiful and lasting way.”
And our thanks to Br. Andy Gancarczyk, SCJ, for taking the photo above. Click here to view others on the province Facebook page.
Entering candidacy
On August 25, Tin Nguyen of St. Martin of Tours parish officially entered the candidacy program for the Priests of the Sacred Heart. Fr. Rafael Querobin, SCJ, formation director, received Tin during a community Mass at Sacred Heart Monastery.
What inspired Tin to pursue his vocation with the Dehonians?
“The Dehonian call to Eucharistic Adoration and love for the poor and workers speak most deeply to my heart,” he said.
Please keep Tin and all of our students at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology in your prayers as they begin a new academic year.
Please remember
+ Br. Jos Vrancken, a member of the Dutch Region, died on August 26. He was born in 1947 and professed in 1971.
Keep in prayer
Fr. Tony Russo, SCJ, has been hospitalized to monitor irregular blood pressure. He is expected to soon be discharged.
Mass of Thanksgiving in Mississippi
Yesterday (August 30), Fr. Hung Pham, SCJ, celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving at Christ the King Catholic Church – Southaven, MS. Following his priesthood ordination two weeks ago, Fr. Hung was welcomed home by the six parishes of the Catholic Churches of Northwest Mississippi where he served as a deacon since January. Dcn. Ted Schreck, a fellow member of the pastoral team, welcomed Fr. Hung and gave thanks in the name of the parishes for his service. Dcn. Ted participated in both Fr. Hung’s Ordination Mass and his Mass of Thanksgiving in Houston (as well as Fr. Long Nguyen’s first Mass of Thanksgiving; Fr. Long was also ordained at the August 15 ceremony).
Representatives of the six parishes presented symbols of the ministry to which Fr. Hung is called. “Holy Spirit parish offered a lectionary so that Fr. Hung can meditate on Scripture: believe what he reads, teach what he believes and live what he teaches,” wrote Laura Grisham, communications director for Sacred Heart Southern Missions. “Christ the King parish brought wheat and grapes, signs of God’s gifts that human hands transform at the altar. Good Shepherd parish presented water for baptism, recalling Christ’s command to make disciples of all nations. St. Joseph parish gave a purple stole for the Sacrament of Reconciliation, a reminder of the mercy Christ entrusted to the apostles. St. Gregory parish presented the Oil of the Sick, asking the new priest to stand with the ill and anoint them in the Lord’s name. Queen of Peace parish presented the Liturgy of the Hours. Each gift was received with a blessing and thanks and placed before the altar, a beautiful, communal commissioning before Mass continued.”
During his homily, Fr. Hung reminded people of Jesus’ command to take up the cross and follow him, weaving the day’s readings from Jeremiah, Romans and Matthew into a single invitation: “Do not run from hardship, but let God use it.”
Reflecting on the Gospel, Fr. Hung said that “The cross is not punishment, but an opening for love, conversion and deeper union with Christ — the sacrifice of parents for their children, the costly work of forgiveness, the ordinary cost of serving others.” Instead of asking how to avoid every cross, he urged the congregation to pray, “Lord, how do you want me to carry this cross with you?”
A reception followed the Mass. Click here to view photos on the province Facebook page. Our thanks to Laura Grisham for taking the pics.
Remembering September 11
This year is the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. The Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions has prepared a 23-page booklet of resources to assist parishes in their preparations.
Click here to download a free copy of the booklet.
Welcome!
Among the new students enrolled in the fall semester of ECS (English and Culture Studies at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology) are three SCJs: Fr. Valeriano Gomez Reolid from Spain, Frater Geovan Luiz Alberton from Brazil, and Frater Alexandre Joann, also from Brazil. Welcome! Other SCJs in the program this semester include Fr. Pedro Paulo dos Reis Mendes of Brazil, and Fr. Francois Zelfah Rakotoarijaona of Madagascar, who continue their preparations for future ministry in the US Province.
Happy birthday!
Those celebrating birthdays in September include Fr. Aegi Warsito on Sept. 1, Fr. Gustave Lulendo on Sept. 4, Fr. Juan Carlos Castañeda Rojas on Sept. 10 (Fr. Juancho did his formation in the US Province and now serves in Ecuador), Fr. Vando Marques Gomes on Sept. 13, Fr. John Czyzynski on Sept. 14, Fr. Andrzej Sudol and Fr. Greg Speck on Sept. 17, and Fr. Joseph Thien Dinh on Sept. 24.
Also, happy birthday TODAY to Fr. Herman Falke in Ottawa (Canada). At 98, he is the eldest SCJ in North America.
Happy Labor Day!
The Provincial Offices will be closed next Monday, September 7, for the Labor Day holiday. There will be no Fridge Notes; the next issue will be published on Sept. 14.
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