Not only is Fr. Henry Nguyen, SCJ, new to the priesthood, but he is also new to vocation ministry, having been appointed as Province Vocation Director at the beginning of the year. To help him learn more about the ministry, last week he took part in the National Religious Vocation Conference’s Summer Institute Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors. It was held in Leavenworth, KS. Fr. Henry writes about the experience:
“The five-day workshop is one of many workshops of the Curriculum for Vocation Ministers. Our class / cohort consisted of 24 lay people, sisters, brothers, and priests in the Orientation Program for New Vocation Directors (Summer Institute 2023).
“A lot of information was given, but I felt that I had some background as I had already attended several workshops via Zoom that were part of last year’s curriculum. These were on topics such as ethics issues and behavioral assessment, with the presenters using real case studies to help us be more prepared for our ministry.
“During last week’s program we walked through the steps of the vocation process, from initial inquiry to serious discernment and eventually – in some cases – application to candidacy. The emphasis was not in measuring success by numbers, but rather on how we are able to help young people discover where God is calling them; how they are being asked to respond to God’s love.
“I am thankful for my cohort and was grateful for the time we spent in prayer, dialogue, and learning. We were reminded that we aren’t alone on this journey, as there are many people to support us, including members of our communities, our cohort and NRVC itself.
“I know that this isn’t the end for our cohort of 2023, but instead, the beginning of something great, as we minister to those searching to serve Christ.”
Fr. Henry is pictured above with his cohort, front row, second from right.
