Mr. David Hoang

Mr. David Hoang

YEAR IN FORMATION

Theology 1

HOME PARISH

Holy Spirit(Fountain Valley)

BIRTHDAY

June 21st

SEMINARY

Mount Angel Seminary

FAVORITE ELEMENT

Air

FAVORITE SINGER/BAND

Owl City

FAVORITE BOOK

The Lord of the Rings

BACKGROUND

I was born in Orange County, California and delivered in Fountain Valley Hospital on the 21st of June. I was raised and grew up in Orange County along with two younger twin sisters. The high school that I went to was La Quinta High School located in Westminster. Prior to entering seminary, I was mostly involved with altar-serving whether that be Sunday Masses, funeral Masses, and wedding Masses. In addition to serving, I also was involved in the faith formation program at my home parish. I aided in the office and would occasionally help at retreats.

What are some of the factors that led to your decision to enter the seminary and discern the question of a vocation to the priesthood?

Purpose. I questioned my purpose. As I child, I encountered the infamous question of “What did you want to be when you grew up?”. I pondered what was it that I want to be. This was coupled with Catholicism taught by my parents. I realized that God was the one to assign one’s purpose as He is the Creator. So thus, it started my pathway to discernment. Another factor that is more tangible per se was that fact that I felt at peace when I was at church. This peace led me to seek for answers.

Who are some of the people who influenced your decision to enter the seminary? What is it about them that assisted you?

The people that influenced my decision to enter the seminary were my family, especially my grandfather and my parents. Growing up, I inherited the faith they loved so dearly and devoted themselves to. The warm and loving atmosphere that enveloped the home was a result of their expression of love of neighbor. Their center was Christ. I wanted to copy their joy. I wanted to maintain my center to be Christ.

Describe the moment that you knew you wanted to take the next steps to become a priest?

I don’t know if there was a single moment for me. There was just this sense of readiness or confidence. Yet there was still this unsurety probably as a result of the unknown or doubt if I am truly where I should be. But there was also peace. I relied on this peace and trust that I was in the hands of the Lord.