My vocation story contains more of a communal aspect, rather than a personal calling. Because, more than anything else, my vocation was recognized in the supportive efforts of my community which includes my family (first and foremost), friends, parishes and parishioners, seminary and, last but not least, all of you whose prayers have become the main ingredient to sustain my vocation.

I am a native of Vietnam who arrived in Los Angeles, on July 14, 1988. For a year I attended English as a Second Language classes at Belmont High, and after attaining my Permanent Residence (Green Card) in 1989, I continued my education at Los Angeles City College, Pasadena City College and East Los Angeles College.

During those years, I worked mainly as a computer technician for various companies and governmental organizations including City of Los Angeles, Recreation and Park Department, United States District Court and Los Angeles School District. I also taught computer, for the Los Angeles School District for about three years at Bell Community Adult School and East Los Angeles Vocational Center, and for five years or so I was a part-time traffic controller at the Greek Theater.

At first, I felt called to serve the local community of faith in Monterey Park, where I am a parishioner at St. Stephen Church. From this local community, many people pointed out my "availability" --- as a single male person --- with all my gifts, and my willingness to serve.

I first shared my idea of vocation with my pastor, Father Larry Estrada. From that, I committed myself to serve a larger community of Catholics in and around the Archdiocese, and by August of 2000 I found myself at St. John's Seminary for further study and formation to prepare myself for priesthood. I was part of one of the last classes of St. John's Seminary College, graduating with a bachelor's degree in June of 2004, and am now in my second year of theological study. In addition to St. Stephen, I have also been serving at the neighboring parish, St. Thomas Aquinas, on my weekends home and break times from the Seminary.

Throughout my formation, I always experience God's providential guidance and care for me; thus, I formulate a trusting relationship to those involved in my daily activities at the seminary --- academically, spiritually and pastorally. For the Lord has revealed himself in many ways, continuously, to help me discern my vocation in my daily life here, that he would always, through a mysterious source, maintain his blessing upon me and show me his will, which I vow to follow.

As I keep on following God's calling in my life, I recognize that there are many uncertainties that I have to work with; that's life. I do not know what the future holds for me, but I know who holds that future, and I am at peace with it. I trust in the wisdom of this local church, and the communities of the faithful in the archdiocese, which will choose to support my vocation. As always, I need your prayers during these formation years.

Editor's note: This is the sixth in a periodic series spotlighting those in formation for priesthood at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo.