Dear Epiphany Parishioners,
We have always been taught that patience is a virtue. Our previous parochial vicar, Fr. Joe Methanath had the opportunity to return to his home country to serve there and be close to his family who missed him during his 15-year absence overseas. Since Fr. Joe departed at an untypical time of year in October last year, the Archdiocese has been discerning diligently to assign our parish a new parochial vicar. I am very pleased to announce and welcome Fr. Vincent Chacko to our parish as our new parochial vicar. He will be joining us this weekend to begin ministry here at Epiphany.
Fr. Vincent has been serving as a priest here in the United States for 21 years, and is a proud citizen of our country. He has family here in Missouri City, so he already feels connected to the Archdiocese. I asked Fr. Vincent to share with the community more about himself by way of introduction in the message attached below.
We are so blessed and happy to welcome a new priest to our parish. In the coming weeks and months, let us open our Christ-centered hearts to find ways to help Fr. Vincent become familiar with his new family and settle into his new home here at Epiphany. In thanksgiving to God Almighty for the Church's gift of vocations to the priesthood, I remain
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Devotedly yours in Christ,
Rev. Tom Lam
Pastor
The journey of my life began in Thannirmukkom, Kerala, when I was born on May 13, 1952 to the late couple Chacko and Annamma Vaipisheril, their fourth child of eight children, among whom six are still living.
After completing high school in 1967 at our parochial school St. Mathew’s High, Kannankara, I joined the Indian Missionary Society, Varanasi, UP, to start my seminary/priestly formation. The initial four years (Minor Seminary – as it is called in India) were spent learning languages and in spiritual/religious formation.
I began the Major Seminary studies/formation (Philosophy, Theology & Pastoral Orientation Course) in June 1972 at Jnana Deepa Vidyapeeth – the Pontifical Institute of Philosophy and Religion, Pune, and was ordained a priest on May 9, 1980 for now the Diocese of Sindhudurg, Maharastra State.
So far, I have been blessed with a total of 41 years in priestly ministry – years of great blessing at the service of God and ministering to the people of God. The first 20 years of my priestly ministry were spent in the northern states of India as a pioneer missionary priest and the remaining 21 years are being spent in the US, ministering in the parishes, as hospital chaplain and spiritual consultant
I am eagerly looking forward to being part of the family of Epiphany parish and am happy and willing to minister to every one of you in whatever way I am called upon to do.
Sincerely yours in Christ,
Rev. Vincent Chacko
Parochial Vicar