Deacon Duy Nguyen
Family: Father- welder, mother-assembler, I have six siblings
Parish: St. Joseph Vietnamese Parish, Tulsa, OK.
Schooling: seminary with degrees achieved, Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary

What led you to pursue the priesthood?
The real presence of Christ in the Eucharist and the reality of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass have really placed within my heart a desire to become a priest.

What has the journey been like as you neared ordination?
My journey has been very affirming and consoling. While I am still in the seminary for these last weeks, the Lord has been giving me the peace and joy to truly live in the present moment before my ordination.

Was there a single person who greatly influenced your decision to become a priest?
At different moments of my discernment, there were different people who have inspired me; but above all, I think my parents and the pastor in Vietnam were the most influential in assisting me in this vocation.

What message would you offer to those who want to serve God but do not know how?
I would say that “Put out into the deep” (Luke 5:4). I would encourage them to take action either by talking to priests or religious or by getting involved with different activities in the parish.

How has being a deacon (or your practical internship) influenced the type of priest that you will be?
Being a deacon has helped me to be more attentive to the needs of others. I think this aspect is important in the life of a priest. Because only when we are attentive to others, will we be able to accompany them and understand what God’s people are searching for.

What are some of your thoughts about beginning priestly life?
As I come closer to the end of my seminary studies, I begin to pray for my future parishioners and begin to discern ways in which I can be an effective priest. Furthermore, I reflect deeper on the priestly responsibilities as well as the participation on the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

What advice would you offer about discerning a vocation?
Give it a try and be courageous in discerning your vocation. Be generous by visiting a seminary if it is possible. The Lord will never disappoint us if we put our trust in Him. Rather, He will reward us with many blessings.

What will you miss most about your seminary preparation time? What will you value the most?
Perhaps, the communal aspect is what I am going to miss the most. Every Sunday, after a long day of being at my intern parish, I return to my house (“the seminary”) to be strengthened and to be nourished by praying with my brothers. I also value the most the fraternity and friendships that I have made here over the years.

What types of non-church jobs have you had?
I was a busboy, a courtesy clerk, and a cashier.

What type of extracurricular activities did you enjoy in college? High school?
I enjoyed playing sports (soccer, Ultimate Frisbee, or disc golf). I also enjoyed break dancing.