Sisters pictured Ethel, Mary Pat, Kim Xuan, Symphonie, Ricca, Kim (L-R): Phuong, Marissa

Sr. Kim Xuan Nguyen

As I reflect on Vocation Ministry, I think of the role of spiritual mentoring. I remembered as a discerner in 2012, I did not know much about religious life or how to deepen my relationship with God. But with the help of Sr. Kim Phuong and Sr. Mary Pat, vocation directors at that time, my spiritual director, and the Sisters who journeyed with me in prayer, I came to know God and my call. I am grateful for all who have guided me on my journey. Today as a vocation director, I am called to be a spiritual mentor to other young women and adults. My role is to accompany and journey with the discerners as they move forward through their process of discernment. Mentoring is not a one-way relationship but is mutual and reciprocal. It requires respect, compassion, trust, maturity, and attentive listening. I hope to mentor others to discover their vocation. Let us give thanks to God and celebrate those who have mentored us on our journey during this month dedicated to mentoring.

National Mentoring Month is an annual designation observed in January. This month focuses on how we can all work together to increase the number of mentors to make sure young people in our communities have dependable people to look up to and follow in their footsteps.