Ordained to Serve, Sent to Love

by Fr. Long Phi Nguyen, SVD  |  09/19/2025  |  Updates from the Pastor

This past week, I had the privilege of joining the priests of the Diocese of Phoenix for our annual convocation in Flagstaff. It was a grace-filled time of prayer, fraternity, and reflection on our shared vocation. Since it was my first convocation, I especially treasured the chance to meet many priests from across the diocese—sharing stories of ministry, encouraging one another in our mission, and rejoicing in the laughter and friendship that strengthen our brotherhood.

One phrase in particular stayed with me during those days: “ordained to service.” At its heart, priesthood is not about privilege or position—it is about service to God, to His Church, and to His people. I remember most vividly the moment of my ordination, when I lay prostrate before the altar, surrendering my life completely to Christ. In that profound act, I realized that my life was no longer my own; it now belonged to Christ and to the people He entrusted to me. To be a priest is to walk in the footsteps of Christ Himself, who “came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

This call to service takes many forms: celebrating the sacraments, preaching the Gospel, visiting the sick, walking with the suffering, and building up the Body of Christ in love. Yet it is also lived in the quiet, everyday moments of presence and prayer—simply being available for God’s people.

I am reminded, too, that priesthood is never lived in isolation. We are strengthened not only by the fraternity of our brother priests but also by the prayers and encouragement of our respective parish family. Your support helps sustain my vocation, and I am deeply grateful for it. Truly, the call to serve is something we share together—as priests and people, united in the mission of Christ.

As I return from the convocation, my heart is full of gratitude—not only for the gift of priestly brotherhood, but also for the prayers and support of our parish community here at Holy Spirit, which make it possible for me to serve with renewed joy. I carry with me a deeper awareness of this sacred call. To be ordained is to be sent—not for self but for others, not for honor but for service. Your prayers and encouragement have strengthened me for this mission. May Christ the Servant continue to guide us in His mission, and may our parish family always be a place where His love is made visible in humble and joyful service.

With gratitude,
Fr. Long Phi Nguyen, SVD
Pastor