Deacon Joseph Nguyen

Background

I was born in Viet Nam. I have been in the US for two years ago. I came here with my family in New Jersey. After that, I applied to Archdiocese of Atlanta and became a seminarian. My family has six people. I have two sisters, one brother, and me. They live in New Jersey, USA. My vocation story is very long, but I will briefly talk about myself. Following Jesus is not easy for everyone, I was a brother in St. Charles Borromeo Congregation in Vietnam. I have been in this congregation for three years. After that, I had Visa from the US, came in the USA. I started again my vocation in the US. I have done my pastoral year at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Alpharetta GA. I have had a wonderful time with this parish. I will go back to St. Vincent De Paul Regional Seminary and continue to study the second theology. Please keep me in your prayers and know that you are in mine.

What are your hobbies and interests?

I like to read the Bible, listen to music, and sing karaoke.

What is one of your favorite scriptures?

I love this scriptures “Ask, and it shall be given you. Seek, and you will find. Knock, and the door will be opened for you” (Matthew 7:7)

Who is your favorite saint and why?

I love St. Joseph because he is my patron. He is a good example for me in prayer, sacrifice and humility. I also love to read spiritual books. I love the gospel account by St Luke. I love St Theresa Calcutta; I learn from her many things such as humility, kindness, charity. That’s why I love St Teresa Calcutta.

In a nutshell, what is your vocation story? How did you feel called to the priesthood?

Deep down, I blessed by God. God is my helper and He protects my vocation. I will follow Him forever in my life.

What is seminary life like for you?

Seminary life is the place that I can have many opportunities to study, to learn and to live in virtues.

What do you look forward to about being a priest?

I look forward to evangelizing to all of my family members and friends to help them stay away from sins and have a strong belief and faith in God. Also, I can evangelize people who have not known the Faith and the Gospel of Jesus Christ to believe in God. I also want to bring Christ to others and let people know how the grace of God has been to us.

What advice do you have for other guys thinking about the priesthood?

The seminary life is joyful in God if you follow Jesus, He never gives you bad things in life, but everything is the best for you. Don’t be afraid when you would like to become a priest. Just come and see.  You will see what God gives to you. I invite all the young guys who would like to become a priest. Do not be afraid, just go to your pastor or the Vocations Office directly. I think if you need my advice about the priesthood, you should go head, and talk with whom you like. After that, you can talk or contact with some seminarians in our Archdiocese. It will be helpful for you. Therefore, you can be easy discerning the Priesthood and make a decision to follow Jesus. “Don’t be afraid” (Mark 6, 50) Go ahead to take courage and answer God’s calling