Remembering Deacon Joseph Hoàng Kế Thế
Permanent Deacon Joseph Hoàng Kế Thế of the Diocese of San Jose was called home to the Lord on July 13, 2024, in the loving presence of his family and relatives. Deacon Thế was appointed by Bishop Patrick McGrath as the first-ever Deacon to be assigned to Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, the social service and social justice arm of the Diocese, where he served in many capacities over the years.
Born in Vietnam in 1944, he lived for almost 50 years in San Jose, where he and his wife raised their five children. He was active in the Catholic Church throughout his life and was ordained a permanent Deacon in May 2010.
Deacon Thế spent much of his work with Catholic Charities, building stronger relationships between the agency and the Vietnamese community in Santa Clara County, especially in the Diocesan parishes with large numbers of Vietnamese communicants. He was not only an ambassador to help Vietnamese families connect with available services and support, but he also raised funds to support Catholic Charities programs and mission.
For more than 10 years, Deacon Thế had a leadership role in Catholic Charities May Appeal to raise awareness and funds for the work of Catholic Charities throughout the Diocese. His passion inspired many to increase their monetary support for the agency’s anti-poverty initiatives. In addition, in 2016 Deacon Thế began working with the Catholic Charities Season of Sharing program to distribute Christmas gifts to low-income Vietnamese children who, without his help, would not have received gifts during the holidays.
In 2017, nominated by Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County, he received recognition from the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals as an Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser.
“DeaconThế was such a kind and gentle soul, and was absolutely committed to caring for those in need,” said Greg Kepferle, CEO of Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County.
