Fr. Thien Hoang is now settling into his new role with the IGNITE (Redemptorist Youth and Vocation Ministry) initiative, a Redemptorist program for young adults underway in the North American Conference. Fr. Hoang is the new IGNITE liaison for the Denver Province. His first task will be to study the model in the Redemptorists’ Province of Canada, where it is already being implemented, and to strategize next steps to get this initiative off the ground.

 “We all have a wonderful opportunity with the IGNITE initiative to learn and discern new skills and current perspectives in future ministerial efforts with our young people.” In addition, through the IGNITE Ministry, the Redemptorists of the Redemptorists of North America have developed the NETWORK Leadership Seminars and Workshops, providing leadership training, formation and personalized accompaniment for parish staff and volunteers who make up the leadership for youth ministry, young adult ministry, or family and children ministry. NETWORK workshops are stand-alone sessions on particular topics relevant to ministry with young people.

At the same time, St. Michael’s in Old Town Chicago where Fr. Hoang is stationed, is also involved in the FIELD project, a parish ministry for young adults funded by the Lily Foundation.  “Going out is imperative for the Church today,” Fr. Hoang continued. “We can no longer stay insular but must live out our missionary charism and meet the people where they are. The NETWORK program and the IGNITE initiative provides us with method and means, and this opportunity has given me renewed zeal for the mission.”

IGNITE is a Ministry of the Redemptorists of Canada. The IGNITE Ministry develops, plans and supports initiatives for and with Youth and Young Adults through Parish Outreach, Retreats, Leadership Training, Justice and Service, and Evangelization. The ministry makes a deliberate effort to dialogue with young people. For additional details about the IGNITE initiative or NETWORK seminars and workshops, click here. Please email any questions directly to Fr. Thien Hoang at ignite@redemptorists-denver.org.