Vietnam native one step closer to the priesthood

Bishop Evans to Ordain Seminarian to the Transitional Diaconate

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PROVIDENCE — The Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence has announced the diaconate ordination of seminarian Hiep Van Nguyen, on Saturday, May 11 at 10 a.m. at St. Philip Church. Auxiliary Bishop Robert C. Evans will be the main celebrant and ordaining bishop.

Hiep, son of Thao Nguyen and Phuong Pham of Vietnam, entered seminary in 2012 and was assigned to St. John’s Seminary in Boston, Massachusetts for his formation for the priesthood. He also attended the University of Santo Tomas for additional studies. His summer assignments as a seminarian included St. John Paul II, Pawtucket; St. Paul, Cranston; St. Timothy, Warwick; Our Lady of Mercy, East Greenwich; Jesus Saviour, Newport and SS. John and Paul, Coventry.

After his diaconate ordination, Hiep will serve as a deacon for the summer and during the academic year at St. Paul Parish in Cranston before returning to the seminary to complete his formation for the priesthood.

As a transitional deacon, they may baptize, proclaim the Gospel and preach at Mass, distribute holy Communion, assist (i.e. officiate) at marriages and lead rites for Christian burials.