Redemptorist seminarian Andrew Tran-Chung of the Denver Province traveled to St. Alphonsus Parish in Brooklyn Center — a first-ring suburb just outside Minneapolis — on the first weekend of May to speak on behalf of the Co-Redemptorist Association, a network of lay men and women who support the formation of the next generation of Redemptorist priests and brothers through prayer, vocations outreach, and financial generosity. In his account, he also reflects on the vibrant parish life he witnessed firsthand, taking part in several community events over the course of the weekend.
I had the pleasure of sharing a reflection on the Co-Redemptorist Association this past weekend, highlighting vocations to our Redemptorist way of life and the various ministry experiences that make up Redemptorist formation. From our ministry to the indigenous in Bienvenido to the diverse ministries at St. Alphonsus Parish, formation experiences give students many skills to help as many people as possible. As one of the most multicultural communities in the Denver Province, the local community and the people of St. Al’s truly represent this diversity in ministry — and they welcomed me with open arms.
Friday night’s Spring Sing celebrated St. Al’s cultural diversity with various choirs performing: St. Alphonsus African Choir, St. Alphonsus Resurrection Choir, Coro Adonai, St. Alphonsus Chorale, Coro Kerigma, and Saint Charles Lwanga Choir. With members of different cultures ranging in age from kids to those in their 90s, they help enhance Sunday liturgies, quinceaneras (a traditional transition ritual), weddings and other celebrations.
Seminarian Andrew Tran-Chung introduces the Co-Redemptorist Association to the assembly at St. Alphonsus Parish in Brooklyn Center 
Choir in the Spring Sing 
Choir in the Spring Sing 
Seminarian Scott Partin renews his Redemptorist vows, witnessed by Fr. Steven Urban, Fr. Scott Katzenberger and Fr. John Schmidt 
Scott signs the vow renewal paperwork 
Seminarian Andrew Tran-Chung introduces the Co-Redemptorist Association to the assembly at St. Alphonsus Parish in Brooklyn Center
Newly ordained Fr. Steven Urban celebrated a Mass of Thanksgiving with the parish community. He blessed babies, couples, and families – including his own parents who were present for the festivities. The parish community held a celebration with chorizo tacos and various desserts in the Redemptorist Hall afterwards. Seminarian Scott Partin also renewed his vows at the 12:30 pm Mass, witnessed by the Spanish-speaking community, Fr. Steven, Fr. John Schmidt, and Fr. Scott Katzenburger.
Through the few days I spent in Brooklyn Center, the community demonstrated their unity – through worship, celebration, and especially song – a quality essential to our Redemptorist way of life. This weekend truly presented the fruits of the Co-Redemptorist program, a partnership of both prayer and generosity that supports the formation of the next generation of Redemptorist priests and brothers.
Andrew Tran-Chung
(Source: Denverlink, issue of 15.05.2026)
