Official Website of the
Catholic Diocese of Little Rock
Tuan Do, St. Patrick Church, North Little Rock
Attends Saint Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana
My name is Dominic Tuan Khac Anh Do, and I come from a Catholic family in Vietnam. From my earliest years, I was immersed in a loving environment fostered by my parents and siblings. Our regular visits to church as a family allowed me to become familiar with the rosary and other Catholic prayers. It was during these moments of devotion that my admiration for priests and their work began to blossom.
As I matured, my passion for God and Catholicism deepened. I devoted myself to studying the Scriptures and the lives of the saints. In Vietnam, I had the privilege of meeting a priest who recognized my potential and encouraged me to consider a vocation to the priesthood. His affirmation brought me immense joy and fortified my determination to serve God and his people in this sacred role. Observing the life of this priest instilled in me the values of devout Catholicism and ignited my aspirations to fulfill my dream of becoming a priest.
Several years ago, I embarked on a journey to the United States, driven by a fervent desire to pursue my calling to the priesthood. In this country, I found a profound connection with its tranquil nature and the warmth of its people. By God's grace, I crossed paths with Father Louis Tuyen Do, who introduced me to the extraordinary community of the Diocese of Little Rock.
I am deeply blessed to have met Father Jack Vu, Msgr. Scott Friend, and especially Bishop Anthony B. Taylor, who welcomed me with open arms and wholeheartedly supported my lifelong dream. Furthermore, after Father Jeff Hebert assumed the role of vocations director, I continued to receive steadfast support from him, marked by his unwavering commitment to my growth, love and care. The reception, support and prayers from the people here have profoundly touched my heart.
Being a seminarian in this diocese has been a remarkable and inspiring journey. The diocese has provided unwavering support throughout my vocational formation. The kindness and love I receive daily from the people of the diocese reaffirm my calling as their future priest. I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity to grow spiritually and personally as a seminarian in this vibrant diocese.
My formation as a seminarian has been enriched through various educational experiences at the House of Formation, Assumption Seminary and Saint Meinrad Seminary. These institutions have equipped me with comprehensive training in Church teachings and have laid a solid foundation in academics, personal growth, spiritual understanding and practical preparation for future pastoral ministry.
Through these programs, I have delved deeper into philosophy and theology, enabling me to apply these teachings practically in preaching and living out my faith. I completed one year of the English program at the House of Formation and spent four years studying philosophy at Assumption Seminary. Currently, I am pursuing my theological studies at Saint Meinrad. These seminaries have provided me with a well-rounded education in Church teachings, empowering me for my future as a priest. The training programs offered by these seminaries have allowed me to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in preaching and living a faithful life.
Studying at Saint Meinrad has profoundly nurtured my spiritual growth and personal development, bringing me closer to realizing my calling to the holy orders of priesthood. My time at Saint Meinrad has been incredibly fulfilling, as it has served as both a reputable school and a loving home where I discovered and nurtured my vocation through love and ministry. The comprehensive human and spiritual formation I received here has significantly enriched my growth.
This school of theology has helped me uncover the richness of my relationship with God, theology, the Bible, community and fraternal friendship. After two years at Saint Meinrad, I have gained a strong foundation in the study of the Bible and theology, which continues to fascinate me and deepen my love for our beautiful Catholic doctrines. As a future priest, I aspire to foster faith within the Catholic community by effectively utilizing Scripture, language and ministry.
The Eucharist holds the utmost significance in my life, as it gives me strength through the presence of Jesus' body and blood. During eucharistic adoration, I experience a profound connection with God, as his love fills my heart. The life and faith of Cardinal Nguyen Van Thuan have profoundly impacted my calling. His unwavering devotion to the Eucharist and his endurance through suffering for his faith in Jesus Christ serve as powerful inspirations. I have learned from him that the Eucharist depends on the presence of a priest, and the vocation of a priest depends on the love, support and prayers of the Catholic community.
I am particularly drawn to loving and serving the poor, sinners and everyone in need. Engaging in charitable acts brings me closer to others and allows me to express love for my fellow human beings. To me, the essence of being a Catholic shepherd is to serve rather than be served, which I believe is fundamental to being a good and responsible priest.
My CPE ministry as a chaplain at Baptist Health significantly contributed to my maturity. In this role, I learned humility and the importance of accompanying and supporting people from all walks of life, regardless of their religious or cultural backgrounds. This ministry helped me find God in others, especially those suffering spiritually, emotionally, physically or psychologically.
I am developing essential skills for my future ministry, enabling me to bring God's love to the elderly, the poor and the vulnerable. Assisting people in various circumstances, such as those in hospitals, is a significant responsibility. Collaborating with and understanding others while offering help and respect is a blessing that strengthens my faith and love for God and humanity. This ministry has truly inspired me and helped me grow in my vocational calling.
Finally, I want to express my profound gratitude to God and the people of the diocese for their unwavering support. The love I have received from this community is indescribable, and their incredible efforts continue to amaze me.
