Greetings brothers and sisters in Christ,

I am Fr. Vincent Nguyen, the new pastor and a new member of this family. Like many of you and your forefathers, I came to this country, fell in love with it, and call it home. 

Born and raised in a Catholic family in northern Vietnam, I am the youngest of nine and the only one who doesn't live there. I have a large extended family. Before seminary, I went to law school in Vietnam. 

In 2010, I came to America to study for the priesthood. My studies took me to
Iowa and then to Chicago. 

In August 2014, I visited New Orleans for the first time and instantly fell in love with the city. It reminded me of home: the vibrant Catholic culture, the weather, the food, and of course, the southern hospitality. That's what led me to move to New Orleans and continue my priestly formation at Notre Dame Seminary. 

Ordained a priest in 2018, I have served as parochial vicar at St. Ann Church in Metairie, Our Lady of the Lake Parish in Mandeville and St. Margaret Mary Church in Slidell. 

Early February 2024, while in Vietnam visiting my family, I received a phone call from Archbishop Aymond. He informed me that I was appointed Pastor at Holy Family Church in Luling. Immediately after the call, I offered a prayer for you, my new family. And I know you've been praying for me as well. We've been connected through prayer since Day 1. 

Since I arrived at Holy Family, many family members and friends have been asking me: "How is Luling? What do you think about the Holy Family Church?" I always tell them: "Luling is the foretaste of heaven. It is like Nazareth, a hidden gem, where Jesus, Mary and Joseph lived the Gospel before preaching it." I'm so blessed to be here to pray with you and for you. 

Living away from home, of course I miss my big family. In my prayer, I hear Jesus remind me: ... Everyone who has given up houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands for the sake of my name will receive a hundred times more, and will inherit eternal life (Matthew 19:29). In His Providence, God has sent me to the Holy Family community, fulfilling His promise and giving me a hundredfold more brothers and sisters with whom I will inherit eternal life. 

I have some homework for you: I confess, I'm not the best at remembering names. However, if you'd like, you can share your family photos with me. That way, I can learn your names and more importantly, each day I can dedicate prayers to a specific family.

Thank you all for such a warm welcome! May God bless each of you, our beloved country, now and always!