It is with a bittersweet heart that I share this news with you. Bishop Larry Silva has asked me to take on a new assignment as Pastor of Annunciation Parish in Waimea and its mission of Ascension in Puako, on the Big Island, effective October 15. This means that my time here at Sacred Heart Parish and Maryknoll School is coming to a close. My final weekend with you will be October 11–12, 2025.

As I reflect on these years, my heart overflows with gratitude. Many of you welcomed me first as a seminarian—nervous, eager, full of questions, and not yet speaking English well—and later as your parochial vicar. Every moment of thanksgiving, every prayer, every celebration, you have been there with me, walking alongside me. You became my first true assignment as a priest, and that gift will always remain etched in my heart. From the very beginning, your openness, kindness, and faith formed the foundation upon which I could grow in priestly life. Together, we have rejoiced in life’s joys of the sacraments and together, we have journeyed through sorrow, loss, and grief at funerals and difficult moments. Each encounter has been a profound reminder that ministry is not simply about tasks or duties, but about the heart-to-heart presence of Christ among His people, a presence that transforms, heals, and sustains both those who serve and those who are served.

At Maryknoll School, my heart has been especially touched by the students. Celebrating Masses with them, hearing their confessions and prayers, witnessing their curiosity, innocence, and growing love for Christ has been a continual source of joy and inspiration. Their smiles, questions, and eagerness to learn the faith have reminded me again and again why God calls us to serve. I have loved watching them grow, not only in knowledge but in love for Jesus, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity to walk even a small part of their journey. The dedication of the teachers and staff, who accompany these young hearts daily in faith and learning, has been nothing short of inspiring.

Though leaving is not easy, I place my trust entirely in God’s providence. You have been my family here, and each of you has shaped my heart and my priesthood in ways I will never forget. As I often remind you in homilies, we are pilgrims on a journey—not strangers, but companions walking together toward our true home in Christ. Transitions, though challenging, are invitations from the Lord to surrender more fully to His guidance, to let go of what is familiar, and to trust that He is always leading us where we need to be. St. Paul’s words ring true in my heart: “The one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil 1:6). I hold onto this promise, knowing that the seeds we have planted together in faith, hope, and love will continue to grow in God’s care, long after I leave.

Please continue to support one another and your new pastor with the same generosity, love, and collaborative spirit that you have so graciously shared with me. You have become more than a parish and school community—you have become family, and each of you will remain close to my heart, remembered daily in my prayers at the altar. As I step into this next chapter of service, I humbly ask that you keep me in your prayers, that God may continue to guide me, strengthen me, and help me to shepherd His people with the same care, love, and faithfulness that I have experienced here among you.

Finally, I leave you with a prayer that has guided much of my vocation: “In the Cross is our hope.” May the Sacred Heart of Jesus hold you always, may His love shine brightly in this parish and school ʻohana, and may His Spirit continue to inspire you to live fully as disciples of Christ. May our Blessed Mother Mary, who guided me throughout my priestly journey, watch over you, intercede for you, and lead you ever closer to her Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Mahalo nui loa – thank you very much!

With love, gratitude, and every blessing,
Fr. Francis Hai Pham