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Those wishing to experience a bit of Vietnamese culture can do so the first Sunday of each month at Sacred Heart Church in Albany. That's when the Vietnamese Apostolate in the Albany Diocese has its 11 a.m. Mass.

The Scripture readings, homily, prayers and music are all in Vietnamese, said John Inthav-ongsay, a member of the apostolate. He said that the community finds priests from downstate who speak the language to travel to Albany for the monthly Mass.

Recently, the community celebrated "Tet," the Vietnamese New Year. Mr. Inthavongsay said Tet is the most important holiday in Vietnam. It is a day of celebrating with food and family.

Members of the apostolate celebrated together, he said; after Mass, they went downstairs at the church and had traditional food, live music and games. Mr. Inthavongsay said the event was enjoyed by Vietnamese Catholics of all ages, "from kids to senior citizens."

Sister Sara Kirsch, CSJ, parish social ministry coordinator for Sacred Heart, said there is little division between members of the Vietnamese Apostolate and the larger parish community. Members of the Vietnamese community serve as lectors, eucharistic ministers, as parish trustees and on the finance committee, she said.

"We don't think of them as an apostolate," she said. "They are a part of Sacred Heart."

Jimmy Tran, a member of the apostolate, plays the organ during Mass and is in both the American and Vietnamese choirs. "We like to work with the American community," he said. "We try to stick together."

Mr. Tran and his brother, John, stay in contact with members of the Vietnamese Apostolate through a monthly bulletin and calling each member to keep them updated on church events. Mr. Tran said that members of the Vietnamese community live in all parts of the Diocese. He lives with his wife and daughter in Troy; others travel from as far away as Lake George for Mass.

Deacon Quy Vo, a seminarian for the Diocese, said being able to worship in Vietnamese can be a comfort to refugees.

"The English language can be very difficult for them," he explained. The deacon assists when he can at the apostolate and has ministered there during his formation for the priesthood.

While Catholics are a minority in Vietnam, Mr. Tran said Catholics living in Vietnam are devout. "Growing up in Vietnam, there were a lot of religious events," he said. "We went to daily Mass there."

Both Deacon Vo and Mr. Tran said that devotions to the Blessed Mother are part of the Vietnamese Catholic culture. Families are taught to pray the Rosary together.

Learning about Vietnamese culture and having so many young Vietnamese parishioners has been beneficial to Sacred Heart, said Sister Sara: "New families are always coming in. They have been very supportive and involved in the parish. They are a wonderful community."

Mr. Inthavongsay called the apostolate "vibrant and growing. We are happy to be a part of Sacred Heart and we are working to revive it and keep it going."

(03/11/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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