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LET’S MEET FATHER JOSEPH 
Peace and God’s blessings to you and your family!
My name is Joseph Tuan A. Le, a Vietnamese. I was ordained on May 23rd, 2014 by Bishop Michael Barber at the Cathedral of Christ the Light, Oakland. I was born on Nov. 5, 1974 in QuiNhon. Unfortunately, the Vietnam War happened, my family run to CamRanh - NhaTrang. We lost everything. I lost my Dad for 2 years after my birth. My Mom had to survive by herself to raise 5 of us. Then, my Dad found us again! I totally have 7 siblings, a big family!
I became a candidate for my home diocese after finishing high school. I entered university and finished it; but I could not enter the seminary because of the communist policy. My Bishop sent me to the Philippines to be a missionary in the order of The Priests of the Sacred Heart. I studied Philosophy at Xavier University, Cagayan De Oro City. Then, I studied Theology in Loyola-Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City. During those years of studying and serving Filipinos Church, I discovered my call to become a diocesan priest rather than a religious one. Coming back to Vietnam with a hope to serve the Church in Vietnam, but I had no chance with the local communist government. It was sad!
In 2011, Fr. Peter introduced me to Fr. Larry D’Anjou (the Oakland’s vocation director) and I was interviewed by him through Sky-internet. I was accepted by Bishop Salvatore J. Cordileone. Arriving in the U.S.A, I had my pastoral year at Our Lady Queen of the World Church, Bay Point. Then, I spent 2 years to study “some important things” at St. Patrick’s Seminary, Menlo Park. On May 23rd, 2014, I was ordained as priest (together with Alberto Perez and Michael Pham). My first assignment was to serve at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, Brentwood. After 2 years, I was sent to serve at St. Joan of Arc Church at San Ramon. Now I am here at St. John the Baptist: a dynamic, loving and faithful community of faith. I believe this new family will be my blessed home with you all!
I would like to say “Thank You” to Fr. Sergio – my new Pastor! Also thank you to each of you and your family for your joyful spirit on my first Sunday Homily & Masses, as well as thank you to your welcoming on the second Sunday that following with donut and coffee. May the Peace of Jesus Christ always be with your family at home and also with OUR family at St. John the Baptist Parish! In Jesus’ Heart, with Prayers and Peace!
Fr. Joseph Tuan A. Le
