During my time at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago , the facilitator of our theological reflection group once suggested that we re-think one of the three vows or promises made in religious communities when we first put our hands into ministry : that is a life of poverty , she said .
For years in ministry , I have always thought that it is a virtue to preserve what I promised and lived out faithfully . But when I was recently appointed to my new assignment as the director of development of the Vietnam Mission , I realized that the facilitator was right . It ’ s not an easy work to ask for financial support from others . As Henri Nouwen notes , “ We may feel awkward and a little embarrassed about it . We begin to worry and wonder : ‘ Who will give us money ? How will we ask them ?’”
As the director of development , I am reminded of my previous duty of being in charge of doing mission appeals here in the United States , as I now continue to offer information to help raise awareness of our candidates in formation and their apostolic efforts , especially serving the needy such as poor migrants and other marginalized people in Vietnam . I act as a liaison between the Kansas City Province and the Vietnam Mission in terms of visitation , information and resource sharing , all of which require one visit per year to the Vietnam Mission to give a report .
In this ministry of development , talking about needs and asking for support can be a difficult task . But then , speaking about Christ to the lost can be just as difficult . Raising support is one way to help
Vietnam Mission
Poverty in the Life of Enrichment by Fr . Dien Truong , c . pp . s ., Director of Development for the Vietnam Mission
develop an ability to talk about something difficult with people who may or may not be positive in their response . Thus , raising support is actually a mission in itself . It is , indeed , a special type of mission , and my first chance to help change people ’ s lives . Engaging people in God ’ s Kingdom work Fr . Dien Truong , c . pp . s . and providing opportunities for them to be involved and to have an impact is a special part of our calling as missionaries .
This ministry of development is proclaiming what we believe in such a way that we offer other people an opportunity to participate with us in our vision and mission . Henri Nouwen wrote : “ We have a vision that is amazing and exciting . We are inviting you to invest yourself through the resources that God has given you — your energy , your prayers , and your money — in this work to which God has called us .”
I also recall the words of my friend when were gathered together with a group as he pointed to me and said , “ Here is a richest one .” I believe that we all know what he meant . Even though we live our lives of poverty or simplicity , we enrich ourselves before God ’ s eyes through striving to fulfill the needs of others . W
Members and candidates of the Vietnam Mission , 2016 Fr . Dien places deacon ’ s stole on Tam Hoang , 2016
4 • The New Wine Press • February 2017