Sunday, July 5, 2026

Dear brothers and sisters,

Since July 1st, we have been delighted to welcome Rev. Paul H. Vu as our new Parochial Vicar. Allow Father Paul Vu to share a bit about himself and his priestly journey with us: 

Born in Vietnam in 1986, Father Paul H. Vu immigrated to Garden Grove, California, in 1993 at the age of 7. After high school, he entered formation for the Diocese of Orange, earning a triple Bachelor’s degree in Philosophy, Religious Studies, and Literature from Mount Angel Seminary in Oregon.

Recognizing his potential, the Diocese sent him to Rome in 2007. He earned his Sacred Theology Baccalaureate (S.T.B.) from the Pontifical Gregorian University in 2010 while discerning at the Pontifical North American College. Following a pastoral year at Immaculate Heart of Mary in Santa Ana, he was ordained a deacon in 2011 and returned to Rome for advanced studies.

Father Paul was ordained to the priesthood on July 9, 2012, at his childhood parish, St. Columban in Garden Grove. After serving at Mission Basilica in San Juan Capistrano, he returned to Rome, completing his Licentiate in Canon Law (J.C.L.) in 2014. During this time, he also served as a hospital chaplain at St. Jude Medical Center and assisted at St. Joseph in Placentia.

Returning to the Diocese in 2014, he served at St. Kilian in Mission Viejo. By 2017, he received a dual appointment: serving at Christ Our Savior and becoming the Adjutant Judicial Vicar for the Diocese's Office of Canonical Services. In 2018, he was appointed to work at the Vatican for the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts. While there, he earned his Doctorate in Canon Law (J.C.D.) Summa Cum Laudefrom the Pontifical Lateran University.

Since returning from Rome in 2021, Father Paul has balanced his work at the Diocesan Marriage Tribunal with assignments at St. Joseph in Santa Ana (2021), St. Columban (2022), and St. Barbara (2023–2026). He also serves as a spiritual chaplain to six different lay groups and movements.

A multilingual priest, Father Paul speaks fluent English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and is proficient in Italian, allowing him to minister directly to diverse communities. Whether handling canon law, leading global pilgrimages, or connecting through digital media, architecture, and finance, he remains profoundly dedicated to serving the people of God.

Sincerely yours in Jesus Christ and Our Lady of La Vang! 

Reverend Kiet Anh Ta.