Congratulations!
On Sunday, October 10, Duy Nguyen, SCJ, was ordained to the diaconate at Christ the King Church in Southaven, Miss. It is one of the parishes where he will serve as a deacon, starting October 11.
Dn. Duy, 32, didn’t have to go to far when he joined the province formation program. Born and raised on the north side of Chicago, Dn. Duy prepared for religious life only a short drive from his childhood haunts.
He first came in contact with the SCJs in 1999 when his family was invited to a gathering at the province’s formation house. “At that time, I did not know who they were or what they were all about,” said Dn. Duy. It would be another three years –– at a youth gathering in Toronto –– before Dn. Duy would formally meet the community and “eventually discover my calling and the charism of the SCJs.”
He professed his first vows in 2006. Dn. Duy’s final profession was in January, 2010.
Before entering candidacy, Dn. Duy studied at the University of Illinois in Champaign. He later transferred to the University of Chicago and earned a bachelor’s degree in Information and Decision Sciences (he describes it as a mix of computer and business skills).
Dn. Duy graduated from Catholic Theological Union in spring. He broke up his studies two years ago with a pastoral year based in Lower Brule, S.D. This past summer he took part in an intensive Spanish language course in Argentina.
“What attracts me to this community is the presence of the Spirit of God,” said Dn. Duy as he prepared for his ordination. “I find the Spirit active and vibrant in the work we do, the community life we share, and the laughter we exchange. It is this same stirring Spirit that propelled me to the SCJs seven years ago.”
Click here to view photos from the ceremony.
Keep in prayer
•As we noted last week, Fr. Peter McKenna (Canadian Region) was hospitalized for complications related to recently-diagnosed diabetes. Added to that diagnosis are cardiac concerns and a leg infection. He remains hospitalized.
•Fr. Frank Clancy continues to be treated for an infection that badly damaged his foot. He was hospitalized last week for the application of an additional skin covering but is now back home, recovering.
•Fr. Ed Kilianski has been diagnosed with chronic pancreatitis, a very uncomfortable condition that may lead to the removal of his pancreas. He is currently being treated with medication.
Headed to South Africa
Fr. Paul Grizzelle Reid leaves for South Africa this week where he will give a retreat for the SCJ and diocesan priests of Aliwal North and De Aar. He will also spend time with the pan-African formation community in Pietermaritzburg and do a day of reflection for a religious community in Johannesburg.
Discussing common issues
On October 7-8 the administrations of the Canadian Region and U.S. Province came together for a joint meeting in Montréal, Canada. It is the continuation of a tradition begun in 1996.
The two councils gather to share ideas on topics of common concern, discuss issues of the worldwide congregation, and update each other on the ministries and people of the two entities. The meetings generally take place every six to 12 months and rotate between locations in Canada and the United States.
The October meeting began with a reflection on the general administration’s Six Year Plan. Continuing the focus on the worldwide community, SCJs noted that Canada and the United States have a long history of hosting international SCJs for education and ministry. How can that tradition be enhanced? Can there be more possibilities for SCJs of other countries to minister in North America? What needs to be done to better facilitate that?
There were conversations about future collaboration between Canada and the United States. It is hoped that a common renewal or retreat program can be developed on SCJ spirituality. Other suggestions included a combined effort at making SCJ parishes in North America more “Dehonian,” and collaboration on a common topic of social concern, such as immigration.
The next meeting of the North American administrations will be May 23-24 at the Dehon Formation Community in Chicago.
Provincial’s time
After attending the diaconate ordination of Dn. Duy Nguyen, Fr. Cassidy heads to Illinois for CMSM meetings. Thursday and Friday he meets with Sacred Heart School of Theology’s board of directors and next weekend he flies to Rome, where he will take part in the SCJs’ major superiors meeting through October 27.
