Every summer, seminarians are assigned to various programs, language immersions, or parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Portland. This summer, I was assigned to St. Alice Parish with Fr. Mark Bentz, alongside fellow seminarians Coulter McIntyre and Mike Patton.
I was greatly blessed in many ways. I had the opportunity to work with such amazing staff members who have become great friends of mine. Working in the busy parish office, I learned the basics of the parish budget, how to run a staff meeting, and organized the parish photo directory. Additionally, I shared in the joy of the sacramental life of the parish, starting with the Corpus Christi procession when I first arrived. I participated in baptisms, weddings, anointing calls, and funerals, sometimes even all in one day!
I am forever grateful for Fr. Mark, the parish staff, and the parishioners at St. Alice. As I enter my last year of college seminary, I prayed a lot this summer for clarity in my vocation. It is with great confidence that I say that God has answered my prayers through the fire of love for the Lord that is burning at St. Alice Parish. I was so inspired by the parish’s love for Jesus that was shown in their commitment to praying Holy Hours, made available by perpetual adoration, and their desire for beautiful and reverent liturgies rooted in sacred tradition. Below is my goodbye to St. Alice Parish as I completed my assignment:
Dear St. Alice Parish Family,
Just eight weeks ago, you welcomed me into your parish family. It is time for me to say farewell as I return to Bishop White Seminary in Spokane, WA, for my seminary formation and studies. It has truly been an honor and blessing for me to be here at St. Alice with all of you this summer. As I bid farewell, I thank you for all your prayers, support, and, perhaps most importantly, for the relationships I have built with many of you. From our conversations after Mass and parish events, I have been blessed to receive God’s grace through my encounters with you. Your love for Jesus inspires me and your presence in my life has helped me to grow in clarity of my vocation to the priesthood. May God, through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Alice, bless you and your families with peace and joy as you continue to grow in love for God and one another. As always, please know of my prayers for you, and please keep me in your prayers.
Many Blessings,
Anthony Nguyen
