Homily: June 6, 2025 : Mass of THanksgiving for Fr. Ly Chu at Holy Family

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Today’s Mass is very special. We are here to give thanks to God for someone who has been a beloved part of our school community for many years, Fr. Ly Chu, who will be retiring from active ministry this July.

Fr. Ly Chu has been a part of Holy Family School since 2008 and has served faithfully as a priest in our diocese for over two decades. The normal retirement age for priests is 70, and Fr. Ly Chu has reached that milestone this year. 

Can you guess which year he was born in?

That’s right, 1955!

He was born in Vietnam, during a time of war, civil unrest, and religious persecution in the country. Even though it might endanger his life, Fr. Ly Chu felt called to become a priest. He began his seminary studies at what’s called an ‘underground seminary’, because at that time, religion was not permitted by the communist government. People had to celebrate Mass and receive the sacraments secretly, often in underground churches or hidden places.

Despite many hardships, Fr. Ly Chu remained faithful to his calling. Eventually, he was able to come to the United States, where he completed his studies and was ordained a priest in 2002. Since then, he has served in several parishes, including St. Mary of Nazareth, St. Ambrose Cathedral, and later St. Peter’s Vietnamese Parish, where he has been pastor since 2008.

Here at Holy Family School, Fr. Ly Chu celebrated Mass, heard confessions, and supported our students and staff in various ways, spiritual and practical.

We are very grateful for everything he has done for our community, for our school. Although he is retiring, he will continue to live in West Des Moines, so don’t be surprised if you see him again because he’s always welcome here!

In today’s Gospel from John chapter 21, we heard Jesus’ final conversation with His disciples before ascending into heaven. He speaks especially to Peter, asking him the same question three times: “Do you love me?” It’s a simple question, but it’s one that goes straight to the heart.

When Peter answers, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you,” Jesus responds, “Feed my sheep.” This is the mission Jesus gave to Peter, and it’s the mission He gives to every priest.

For 23 years, Fr. Ly Chu has shown his love for Jesus by feeding and taking care of the Lord’s sheep. He showed that he loves Jesus through serving, teaching, preaching, celebrating the sacraments, and being present for you all.

And retirement from ministry, does not mean he stops being a priest, he will always be our beloved Fr. Ly Chu. There’s a beautiful saying in the Church: “Once a priest, always a priest.” Fr. Ly Chu will continue to live as a priest in his heart and soul, in his daily relationship with Jesus.

So today, Fr. Ly Chu, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you for your example of faithfulness to God. Thank you for your love for Jesus. And thank you for your service to Holy Family School.

We wish you a peaceful and joyful retirement. Please come back and visit us often, you will always have a home here.

God bless you and happy retirement!


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