“One important trend evident in this study is the importance of lifelong formation and engagement in the Catholic faith,” said Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley of Boston, chairman of the U.S. Bishops' Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations. He noted that, along with their education and work experience, half to three-quarters of the Class of 2010 report they served as an altar server, lector, Eucharistic minister or other parish ministry.
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Fr. Dany Abi Akar
Brooklyn
People might be surprised to know that I left everything behind me: family, work, friends, and country and I came to where I was called to serve as a priest. I learned that once we are aware of God's LOVE for us, we will be willing to jump in the boat and sail with Him in the sea of this world to any direction he likes to take us.
Fr. Godwin Akpan
SSJ
People might be surprised to know that I was a chaperon to my students and on several occasions I was often asked; "are you a seminarian". This among other remarks, coupled with my deep devotional life, were the overt signs that God might be calling me to serve him and his people as a Catholic priest.
Fr. James Arwady
Detroit
People might be surprised to know that I am a "re-vert" to the Catholic Faith and never attended any Catholic schools; or that I was an engineer for six years before entering seminary.
Fr. Luke Austin
Burlington
People might be surprised to know that I played rugby in college, and practiced law for a government agency.
Fr. Ismael Ayala
Washington
People might be surprised to know that I have thought about priesthood since a very young age. God was calling, but I wasn't around to answer the call. Prayer, conversations with priests, and the sacraments were all important factors in my decision to enter the seminary.
Fr. Juan Ayala-Jimenez
Rockford
People might be surprised to know that I came to the USA in search of the American dream but I found not a dream but a vocation, a call to the priesthood, a call to love and serve God and his people in this multicultural nation.
Fr. Joseph Aytona
CPM
People might be surprised to know that I credit my vocation to our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament. Without Eucharistic Adoration, I probably wouldn't have answered the call.
Fr. Elvio Baldeon
Chicago
Fr. Christopher Ballard
Syracuse
People might be surprised to know that I was baptized as an infant, but did not receive First Eucharist or Confirmation until I was 16, after having participated in the RCIA process. I do not come from an immediate family that practiced Catholicism or any faith when I was a kid. My primary Catholic influences as a young child and as a teenager were my grandmother, my aunt and my best friend's family who encouraged me in my faith and in my vocation.
Fr. Joseph Bambenek
St Paul and Minneapolis
People might be surprised to know that I enjoy doing active things like rollerblading & travelling.
Fr. Christopher Barnes
Erie
People might be surprised to know that after graduating from high school, I had aspirations to be a medical doctor and enjoyed studying science, earning a B.S. in Biology from the University of Pittsburgh. From there, I went on to get my Funeral Director's License and worked as a Funeral Director for some time until I answered God's call to a priestly vocation.
Fr. Charles Benoit
CFR
People might be surprised to know that after experiencing college life and its temptations, I considered that I was not worthy to be a priest or a religious any more... It took me eight years to rediscover His mercy and, as St Therese taught me, that God does not chose those who are worthy be make worthy those He choose... through his grace.
Fr. Ysrael Bien
Portland
People might be surprised to know that I entered the seminary when I was 13, and that, God willing, when I get ordained a priest on June 2010, my brother who is a priest will be celebrating his silver ordination anniversary.
Fr. Llane Briese
Atlanta
People might be surprised to know that I attribute my vocation directly to my involvement in my home parish's youth group. I have wanted to be a priest ever since I was a junior in high school.
Fr. Joshua Brown
Grand Island
People might be surprised to know that I previously worked as a firefighter for my home town. I really loved and enjoyed my work helping others and saving lives. It was not until after 6 years of that service, that I realized God had a greater calling for me, to save lives in a different way, to start fires in hearts instead of putting them out.
Fr. Michael Bruno
Brooklyn
Fr. Andrew Budzinski
Ft Wayne-South Bend
People might be surprised to know that I represented my Alma Mater, the University of Notre Dame as its mascot: the Leprechaun. After graduation, I worked for a radio station in South Bend, Indiana; part of my duties included serving as co-host of the Notre Dame football pre-game show.
Fr. Yancey Burgess
Wichita
Fr. John Burns
Milwaukee
People might be surprised to know that I spent time discerning my vocation to the priesthood while working on a shrimp boat in Australia.
Fr. Fredy Calvario
Monterey
People might be surprised to know that I Left the Seminary. Then by the grace of God I became accepted to serve in the Diocese of Monterey, without any lesson of English! Thanks God, I am improving everyday on behalf of the People of God. Thanks for your prayers and support.
Fr. Corey Campeaux
Lafayette
People might be surprised to know that I think God first called me when I was 12, but I only realized this after someone explained what a vocation was.
Fr. Francisco Cancino
Seattle
People might be surprised to know that I had never experienced a retreat in my life. I was experiencing some difficulties at the time. Then, I happened to see a vocation retreat flyer, which in a "mysterious" way was appealing to me. During the retreat I kept saying to myself, "this is not for me."
Fr. Alex Carlson
St Paul and Minneapolis
People might be surprised to know that although I like watching sports (all Minnesota teams), I enjoy reading even more.
Fr. Paul Carlson
Peoria
Fr. David Carrano
Madison
Fr. Sergio de la Torre Carrillo
Chicago
Fr. Jay Cretella
Hartford, CT
People might be surprised to know that I entered the seminary after high school (Holy Cross Fathers) I left after 7 years, became a Peace Corps Volunteer for 2 years, and met my future wife when I came home. We married (40years) had three children and 7 grandchildren. My wife died 3 years ago. I re-entered the seminary in 2008 and here I am at 71 years old.
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Fr. Francesco D'Agostino
CS
People might be surprised to know that I have a AAS degree in Culinary Arts. That I graduated from Archbishop Quigley Seminary High School, left the seminary life, and reentered with the Missionaries of St. Charles - Scalabrinians when I was 25 years old.
Fr. Richard Daise
People might be surprised to know that I attended a one-room country schoolhouse for 8 years of elementary school.
Fr. Enno Dango
CP
People might be surprised to know that I have been active in the efforts of Interreligious Dialogue particularly between Christianity and Islam, led me to begin learning Arabic and, in fact, received my MA degree in Interreligious Dialogue.
Fr. Andrew DeKeyser
Lafayette, IN
People might be surprised to know that I was an avid swing dancer and motorcyclist before seminary.
Fr. Silverio Di Fazio
St Augustine
People might be surprised to know that I was call to the priesthood at a very early age, I was 11 yrs. old when I enter the seminary in Italy; after 3yrs. I was pulled out due that my family was emigrating to the U.S.I got marry in the states, had the blessing of one daughter, after 34 yrs of a blessed marriage , my wife died of cancer; but before she died asked of me what I would do for the rest of my life? and since I was involved with the Parish for the past 16 yrs., my answer was I will pray, to become a priest, and after 4yrs, I have come to the end of studies, and the beginning of my service to the Lord and its people.
Fr. Joseph Doran
Galveston-Houston
People might be surprised to know that I never considered priesthood before my daughter-in-law asked me if that was where I was going. She recognized the possibility of a vocation to priesthood well before I did.
Fr. Manuel Dorantes
Chicago
Fr. Francis Doyle
Jefferson City, MO
People might be surprised to know that I had no interest in being a priest when I was younger. I always loved going to Mass, but there was really no one who gave me the idea of being a priest. It seemed that God simply called me when He was ready.
Fr. John Eckert
Charlotte
People might be surprised to know that I worked as a tour guide at the Anheuser-Busch Brewery in St. Louis, MO before entering the seminary.
Fr. Blake Evans
Washington
People might be surprised to know that I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, my father was a Baptist Deacon, my mother was Catholic. Though all of us were baptized Catholics in my family of five kids, over time we only attended the Baptist Church (not mom's fault!). I was given great faith and love of the Scripture, but in High School & early College I discovered my Catholic heritage in the mystery of the Mass and Eucharistic Adoration which included the call to priesthood. Also in holy priests who encouraged me to "come home." I did--and the journey to priesthood intensified until I entered seminary.
Fr. Christopher Fadok
OP
People might be surprised to know that I received two marriage proposals in college.
Fr. Paul Farrelly
O.S.B.
People might be surprised to know that I played the electric guitar.
Fr. Kendal Faulk
Lafayette
People might be surprised to know that I was married for 27 years, my wife died suddenly. We had one son who is now a professional musician, is married and has 2 children. I was a High school instrumental music director for 30 years and a permanent deacon for 10 years. After my wife’s death, I inquired about the priesthood and the rest has been a true blessing.
Fr. Peter Finney III
New Orleans
Fr. Michael Flanagan
Lexington
People might be surprised to know that I thought about becoming a priest since age 10 but did not seriously pursue priesthood until in my forties.
Fr. Amadito Flores
Paterson
People might be surprised to know that I was a Sheriff Officer before I entered the seminary in 1995. I took time off from the Seminary in 2000. Became Director of Rehabilitative Services for the State Hospital in Florida from 2001 - 2005, plus had my own Private Practice in Anger Management till 2008.
Fr. Michail Ford
OP
People might be surprised to know that I that I struggled with the notion of becoming a priest for almost three years before I mentioned it to anyone. Now, I look back at that time and wonder why. The years I have spent in formation have been the happiest years of my life and I cannot wait to see how much better things will be after ordination.
Fr. Charles Gallagher
Washington
People might be surprised to know that I after an experience of meeting John Paul II when I was studying abroad in college, I decided to enter the seminary.
Fr. Patrick Gallagher
Memphis
Fr. Alexander Gamino
San Bernardino
Fr. John Gibbons
Altoona-Johnstown
People might be surprised to know that I have a deep internal side of me that is fostered by quiet time and prayer, especially Eucharistic Adoration. This allows me to have the energy to love God and love my neighbor. I also have used my love of golf to help others grow closer to Christ.
Fr. Craig Giera
Detroit
Fr. Philip Gillespie
Charleston
People might be surprised to know that I became disillusioned with the business world and financial accumulation and was drawn to Jesus Christ and His Church. The Church became the center of my life.
Fr. Thomas Gillespie
Pittsburgh
People might be surprised to know that I was an Army Psychiatrist before I entered the seminary. I have also enjoyed running several marathons with my seminary brothers and priests before ordination.
Fr. Francisco Godinez
Boise
Fr. Tomasz Gorny
Springfield, MA
People might be surprised to know that I was born in a foreign country, and decided to come here to help the Church of America. I was thinking a long time before I decided. Once I did decide to come here I'd never make another choice. The discernment takes a while but I enjoy every second of being a seminarian then, a deacon and a priest. All what is required, is just your answer for YES.
Fr. Shawn Gould
Chicago
Fr. John Gournas
Raleigh
People did not know I was Protestant when I first began to attend Eucharistic Adoration for Vocations in the Diocese of Raleigh. When people found out I was Protestant they were enamored that I was also devoted to praying the Rosary, as well as a participant in Eucharistic adoration.
Fr. Thomas Gricoski
OSB
People might be surprised to know that I played at celebrating Mass as a kid, and was told on once for praying in elementary school.
Fr. Brian Gross
Bismarck
People might be surprised to know that I did not think about being a priest until I was 22 years old. Through participation in Eucharistic Adoration, Daily Mass, and Confession God revealed clearly to me his will that I become a priest.
Fr. David Gross
Grand Rapids
People might be surprised to know that I felt called to the priesthood from an early age, but avoided it for many reasons once I reached high school. Then, while working with youth ministry and spending time with an adult fellowship group, I was inspired by the faith and commitment that my friends showed to answer the call that I always knew that I had deep down in my heart.
Fr. Luis Guzman
OFM
People might be surprised to know that I studied Agriculture Irrigation in Mexico and I worked with the poor farms before I enter to the Religious Life.
Fr. Michael Hall
Trenton
People might be surprised to know that I first began discerning my vocation because of one offhand comment from a presenter that I had never met during a Diocesan Youth Ministry certification class. In the midst of a class discussion she said that I would make a good priest.
Fr. D. Mark Hamlet
Austin
People might be surprised to know that I was ordained as a permanent deacon in 1995. I was married for 37 years before my wife passed away. We have six children and now I have eleven grandchildren.
Fr. David J. Hammond
Albany
People might be surprised to know that I grew up on a dairy farm, and was greatly impacted by my time in Boy Scouts. I was able to pay my respects at Pope John Paul II's lying in state at St. Peter's in 2005, shortly before applying to become a seminarian. In the summers of 2007 and 2008 I attended the US Naval Chaplains School, and I hope to spend some time ministering as a chaplain in the future.
Fr. Chase Hasenoehrl
Boise
Fr. Jeremy Heppler
OSB
People might be surprised to know that I during Spring Break of the year I taught high school, I went to St. Benedict's Abbey not for a vocation retreat, but to visit friends and most importantly to get away from the hustle and bustle of being a first year teacher. By the end of the week, God made it clear that He was calling me to "come and see."
Fr. Patrick Higgins
Corpus Christi
Fr. Paul Hoffman
La Crosse
People might be surprised to know that I am about to be ordained! I am a "second career" vocation, having returned to the Church in 1999 and entered Blessed John XXIII Seminary in 2006. I have a 28 year old son. I have lived in many places and done many things and have finally heard His call to serve. Nothing like being a "late bloomer"!
Fr. Jim Holbrook
St. Louis
People might be surprised to know that I found the seminary has been one adventure after another, not sailing to England or discovering treasure in a sunken wreck, but discovering the beauty of my faith and vocation.
Fr. Justin Huber
Washington
People might be surprised to know that I came back to the Catholic faith while in college after been away from it for a long period of time. That was the first time I ever considered a vocation to the priesthood.
Fr. Mauricio Hurtado
Sacramento
People might be surprised to know that I have been in formation, meaning I have been in seminary formation almost 13 years.
Fr. Stanley Ihuoma
SSJ
People might be surprised to know that I began answering a missionary about 25 years ago after my encounter with the first missionary priest who visited my parish when I was just little altar server. He made an impression on me! Now I understand that a missionary is a "priest-victim". That is my goal and that is my call; to be a priest ready to “offer" myself and to be "shared".
Fr. Joseph Jiang
St. Louis
People might be surprised to know that in our short-comings and weaknesses, God has chosen me!
Fr. Fawaz Kako
C.Ss.R.
People might be surprised to know that I was born in Baghdad, Iraq; a Christian in amajority Muslim country.
Fr. Brian Kean
Chicago
Fr. Kenneth Keke
SSJ
People might be surprised to know that my mother loves to eat any food prepared by me.
Fr. Joseph H. Kim
San Jose
Fr. Christopher Kituli
Chicago
Fr. Paul Kubista
St. Paul and Minneapolis
People might be surprised to know that I worked on the Playstation 3 processor (CELL) at IBM before entering seminary.
Fr. Christopher LeBlanc
Pensacola-Tallahassee
People might be surprised to know that I have been legally blind since birth.
Fr. Andrew Liaugminus
Chicago
Fr. Anthony Lickteig
Washington
People might be surprised to know that I have been skydiving and whitewater rafting, and have ran a half-marathon. My father has also been a permanent deacon since 1976.
Fr. Ricardo Lopez
OMI
People might be surprised to know that I really enjoy going out and doing manual labor. I especially like jobs where I am able to go out and get something done, either by myself or with a group of people.
Fr. Nolan Lowry
Tyler
People might be surprised to know that I thought about becoming a priest when I was learning about the Catholic faith in the RCIA program. I really had a profound respect and reverence for priests even though I had never had much contact with one.
Fr. Julius Lucero
Newark
Fr. Phillip Luebbert
KC-St. Joseph
Fr. Erik Lundgren
St Paul and Minneapolis
People might be surprised to know that I come from a spiritually mixed home and am thankful for it because it has broadened my perspectives and helped me appreciate more deeply the universal Truth of our beautiful Catholic faith!
Fr. Oscar Magallanes
Tucson
People might be surprised to know that I have a black belt in martial arts.
Fr. Steven Markatnonis
New York
People might be surprised to know that I Christ called me to the priesthood through the sacred liturgy and adoration before His presence in the Blessed Sacrament. I also heard his voice through the simple parish priests who did their part to plant the seed in proposing that I discern a vocation.
Fr. Raúl Marquez
Portland
Fr. Raymond Marquez
Los Angeles
People might be surprised to know that I was not happy being Catholic and my heart left the Church as a teen. But God called me back during my last year of college through the people in my life.
Fr. Adam Mauman
Lafayette, IN
Fr. Brian May
Boise
People might be surprised to know that I have parents who are serving as Comboni Lay Missionaries in Peru.
Fr. Sergio Mena
Chicago
Fr. Kevin McQuone
Pensacola-Tallahassee
People might be surprised to know that I did not know at first that I was called to the priesthood. My first calling was to be more open to discern celibacy. I did not feel very confident about my calling to the priesthood until later in seminary.
Fr. Ross Miceli
Erie
People might be surprised to know that I was baptized a United Methodist with the very Catholic middle name "Rosario" just after my grandfather, placing me under the care of the Blessed Virgin Mary from that moment on even though my family was not Catholic at the time. My friends and teachers from my Catholic High School and University have been my biggest supporters through all the years of formation - and my home parish has prayed for me by name at every Mass for the last 8 years.
Fr. Michael Moczko
Chicago
People might be surprised to know that I came to a greater interest in faith through science.
Fr. Daniel Moris
Sioux Falls
People might be surprised to know that I worked in a maximum security prison for twenty years.
Fr. Wellington Munoz
Newark
People might be surprised to know that I actually became a priest. I can happily say together with the psalmist: This was done by the Lord, a marvel in our eyes. (Ps. 117)
Fr. Gene Murphy
Superior
People might be surprised to know that I received my call in my late 50's.
Fr. Tom Neitzke
SJ
Fr. Jose Luis Nerio
Portland, OR
People might be surprised to know that I met Monsignor Oscar Romero, when he came to Aguilares for confirmations. There was a group of five us who were interested in the priesthood and had a 30 minute chat with him. I was inspired by his example and by the example of others Jesuits priest Rutilio Grande, to mention one.
Fr. Bao Nguyen
Los Angeles
People might be surprised to know that I never attended any Catholic schools before entering the seminary. I first thought of the priesthood when I was 23 years old.
Fr. Thien Nguyen
Davenport
People might be surprised to know that I am 34, was born in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, South Vietnam. I am the third child in the family with three boys and one girl. My mother and three siblings live in Vietnam. I earned my bachelor's degree in Economics from the Public Technical University of Saigon in 1998 as an accountant.
Fr. Tai Nguyen
Salt Lake City
People might be surprised to know that I was raised in a Catholic family. I grow up like other men, playing soccer and musical instruments. After 7 years in the Vietnamese Seeking Asylum Camp in the Philippines I entered the seminary. After almost 17 years in the Philippines I arrived in the United States in 2005. God still remembered my vocation and brought me back to the seminary for the Diocese of Salt Lake City.
Fr. Brian Noel
Pittsburgh
Fr. Timothy Noelker
St. Louis, MO
People might be surprised to know that I began discerning a vocation to the Holy Priesthood in eighth grade, but wrestled with the call throughout high school. I initially protested to the Lord that I wanted to be married and have a family, but I became increasingly open to the priesthood as I matured in my faith and friendships.
Fr. Lutakome Nsubuga
Spokane
People might be surprised to know that my journey to the priesthood winds all the way back to Uganda, where I was born and raised in a staunch Catholic family. My desire to become a priest persisted until my senior year at Washington State University (WSU), when, after being encouraged by the Newman Center chaplain and various friends and relatives, and being strongly challenged by the dire need for priests in my diocese, I discerned to enter the seminary, instead of the WSU Pharmacy School where I just been admitted.
Fr. Sylvestre Obwaka
Gaylord
People might be surprised to know that I was inspired to think of priesthood after my late great grandmother was honored by the late Pope John Paul II and received a medal of honor for her distinguished work in the Church. Since then it has been my hope and prayer to be a priest.
Fr. Gerard Olinger
CSC
Fr. Daniel O'Mullane
Paterson
People might be surprised to know that I consider myself a gym rat. I hope to give glory to God in body, mind, and spirit!
Fr. German Osorio
Boise
Fr. James Pankiewicz
Peoria
Fr. John Parks
Phoenix
People might be surprised to know that I wanted to evangelize all of Hollywood before I felt the call of God to the priesthood.
Fr. Tomasz Parzynski
Springfield, MA
People might be surprised to know that I gave up the idea of being priest in my own country and came to the USA. God gave me a missionary Spirit to serve in a different culture and different society.
Fr. Nathaniel Payne
Chicago
Fr. Michel-Steven Pham
San Diego
Fr. Michael Polinek
Erie
People might be surprised to know that I only went to Church like once a year before 2001, worked at Wal-Mart, made a TEC retreat in February of 2001, did a complete 180, entered seminary in August of 2002, and that was 8 years ago! God is good.
Fr. David Price
Colorado Springs
People might be surprised to know that I prayed for and received a sign from God that he was calling me to become a Catholic priest even though I was a fundamentalist Protestant.
Fr. Victor Ruben Quinteros
Little Rock
People might be surprised to know that when God called me to the priestly vocation I never imagined all the blessings that he had prepared for me, or the difficulties that always come with the ability to overcome them. To discover God's call was a process in which Jesus was caring for me in such a wonderful way but not always according to my own plans. God was guiding my life in ways not always clear but with prayer and trust in his plans which always are better than I can choose My parents taught me to pursue happiness and live it with intensity. I am very happy in my vocation serving the people of God in the Diocese of Little Rock, but I am happier to see how Jesus was working all these years of my formation.
Fr. Arokiadoss Raji
Newark
People might be surprised to know that I am member of a Neo Catechumenal way for 22 years. As I was walking in the way I found my vocation to the priesthood even though I never considered in my life ever to be a priest but it is completely the grace of God who called me a sinner to save souls as He saved me.
Fr. Jose Ramirez
Boise
People might be surprised to know that I was raised with the influence of both primary cultures in this country. I have deep respect and admiration for all the cultures around me. I want to serve all the people in my diocese with faith, hope, and humility.
Fr. Jose Regil
Green Bay
Fr. John Reutemann
Washington
People might be surprised to know that I turned down an opportunity to go to the US Air Force Academy to go to college seminary instead.
Fr. Tony Robbins
Little Rock
People might be surprised to know that I was at the World Youth Day in Denver in 1993. What an awesome experience!
Fr. Carlos Rodriguez
Chicago
Fr. Francisco Javier Rodriguez
Newark
People might be surprised to know that I never wanted to be a priest but God called me when I had my life figured out and He changed it around. What a great change!!!
Fr. Thomas Roman
Buffalo
People might be surprised to know that I have struggled a lot in discernment and in life. Priesthood for me is an honor yet it is for all different kinds of men. I loved dating, dancing, music and creative writing. Yet all of these experiences will only enhance my priesthood in the long run.
Fr. Lucas Rossi
Charlotte
People might be surprised to know that I was close to an engagement, was a year away from completing college and pursuing a career in medicine, when I decided to enter the seminary.
Fr. Roy Runkle
Birmingham, AL
People might be surprised to know that I was an Aerospace engineer with NASA for 38 years. Now, instead of launching rockets, I will be launching souls toward their eternal reward.
Fr. Wade Russell
Austin
People might be surprised to know that I worked for a Miller Beer Distributor as a route delivery assistant in my early twenties, enjoyed DJ remixing, and going to NASCAR races. Loved to kneeboard, until I had an knee boarding accident at age thirty and nearly died from an acute subdural hematoma (major blood clot) covering the left side of my brain.
Fr. Daniel Ryan
Albany
People might be surprised to know that I wrestled with my vocation for over twenty years before realizing I had to come to peace with it. During a four month layoff from my employer, I did just that, came to peace with my vocation through a lot of prayer and discernment. My prior life was working twelve years in auto insurance claims.
Fr. Fernando Saenz
Santa Fe
People might be surprised to know that I studied Chemical Engineering and played baseball in college.
Fr. Juan Salonga
Metuchen
People might be surprised to know that I basically grew-up with the Columban Fathers and that I spent most of my life working in the church in Olongapo City, Philippines.
Fr. Jason Schumer
St. Louis
People might be surprised to know that I found immense support for my vocational discernment within my family, especially from my mother and father, who have been very active in our parish and in the Cursillo movement since before I was born.
Fr. David Schunk
San Francisco
People might be surprised to know that I play the trumpet and was a music teacher before entering the seminary.
Fr. Guy Sciacca
Boston
People might be surprised to know that I have always had a very deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin and want to share that devotion with everyone. I have an interest in reaching out to the elderly and homebound who are unable to come to Church.
Fr. John Sheridan
Youngstown
Fr. Michael Silloway
Atlanta
People might be surprised to know that I had the awesome opportunity to chant the Gospel at a Papal liturgy.
Fr. Johnnie B. Smith
Memphis
People might be surprised to know that I had said no to a priesthood vocation after grade school and high school. With the loss of my wife, the thoughts of being a priest entered my mind again and wouldn't leave me be until I did discernment. My wife and I were both active in the Church during our forty years of marriage. During the latter years of our marriage, she wanted me to be a deacon but with her illness, she needed all of my time. While I thought that my age would be an impediment, God made a way for me to answer the call. With three sons and eight grandchildren, they are all supportive of the new vocation. I am very grateful to God for allowing me the opportunity to try again.
Fr. David Stanfill
Richmond
People might be surprised to know that I am 60 year old father of six children. I have 3 grandchildren. I was married for 36 years. It was after my wife's death from breast cancer that I felt the call to the priesthood.
Fr. Joshua Stengel
Little Rock
Fr. Matthew Strickenberger
Erie
Fr. Anthony Strouse
Lansing
People might be surprised to know that I like to listen to country music and watch "LOST" (television program).
Fr. Stanley Stuglik
Chicago
Fr. Jared Suire
Lafayette
People might be surprised to know that I once was taken out to lunch on a private plane to New Orleans. On the way back I was able to steer for a little while.
Fr. John Michael Szatkowski
Dallas
People might be surprised to know that I continue to play trumpet and have taught myself a few other instruments. Also, I am a lifelong bowler and have bowled a perfect game.
Fr. Kiet Anh Ta
Orange, CA
Fr. Mathias Thelen
Lansing
People might be surprised to know that I never wanted to be a priest until college. When I heard the call, I was dating the girl of my dreams and Jesus gave me the grace to drop everything (including break up with her) and follow him. This was the hardest but best decision I have ever made. May His Mercy be praised forever!
Fr. Antony P. Thomas
Milwaukee
Fr. Steve Thomlison
Lincoln
People might be surprised to know that I have a twitter account, and that I have served in the Army National Guard for 22 years.
Fr. Stephen Thompson
Springfield, IL
People might be surprised to know that I was inactive in the Catholic Church for 10+ years before coming back to the Church on Christmas day 2002. I entered the seminary in the summer of 2004.
Fr. Rendell Torres
Albany
People might be surprised to know that I not only grew up playing cello in Southern California but also rode freestyle-BMX bikes (trick riding) and was into break dancing in the early 1980's. My vocation to the priesthood began to blossom during a profound renewal of my spiritual life in Sweden, where I was an acoustics doctoral student for five years.
Fr. Emilio Christopher Tozzi
San Diego
Fr. John Trambley
Santa Fe
People might be surprised to know that I have found time to go skiing each year during breaks from my seminary studies. Standing on a mountain makes a person feel close to God, so it is very possible that my family's ski trips over the years were preparing me for a higher calling!
Fr. Peter Tran
CMC
Fr. Jeremy Trowbridge
Rockford
People might be surprised to know that I was asked by several people from my parish if had considered being a priest. I clearly denied the possibility of such things. At this time in my life I was being drawn into intimacy with Our Lord through more frequent participation in confession and my commutes to work were focused on prayer, namely the rosary and the Litany of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In hindsight the patterns of grace are clear, but as I was growing in my gift of faith I was only doing these things to know Christ better. Little did I know then that He was leading me to the priestly life!
Fr. Kenneth Chijioke Ugwu
SSJ
People might be surprised to know that I really love to dance different kinds of music. I believe that being joyful is a form of evangelization. I am attracted to priestly ministry, I love it and I want to be happy serving God and humanity in this ministry.
Fr. Luis Valerio
Chicago
Fr. John Michael Voithofer
Omaha
People might be surprised to know that I grew up in the small town of Carmichaels, Pennsylvania with wonderful Catholic parents! From there, I went to Penn State to study Architectural Engineering where I discovered my calling to priesthood.
Fr. Gregory Vozzo
Boston
People might be surprised to know that I have experienced the call to priesthood in numerous ways throughout my life, but was often very reluctant to respond to it or talk to people about it. However, God has very patiently helped me to grow in maturity and openness, overcome doubts, and trust in His plan for me.
Fr. Tap Vu
OP
People might be surprised to know that I had a Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering and an engineering career before I entered religious life. If you feel God's call, go for it. I'm happy with my decision.
Fr. Eric Wagner
CR
People might be surprised to know that I finally arrived at my choice to enter the seminary while working as a self-employed 20 year old. I found that my love of prayer, especially the rosary and the Eucharist, was simply stronger and more fulfilling than any entrepreneurial success I had encountered. It was my commitment to prayer that made the call of God clear and enticing.
Fr. Scott Wallisch
Kansas City
People might be surprised to know that I was at a very secular university where my faith really was inflamed, thanks to the St. Lawrence Catholic Campus Center. The examples I saw in the priests there made me realize how wonderful it could be to marry the Church and serve her members for the rest of my life.
Fr. Andrew Wawrzyn
Chicago
Fr. Erich Weiss
Milwaukee
Fr. Jason Welle
OFM
People might be surprised to know that I met Franciscans for the first time when I was traveling around the Middle East as an undergraduate. I always had a great love for St. Francis, so when I began considering a vocation during graduate school, I found the Assumption BVM Province online and made initial contact, only to learn that one of the community's true patriarchs lived across town from me!
Fr. David Wells
Washington
People might be surprised to know that I first considered the priesthood when my uncle, a priest of the Archdiocese of Washington, was tragically killed.
Fr. Gerald Patrick Wetovick
Grand Island
People might be surprised to know that I retired after practicing 45 years in the field of dentistry. My wife died six months later and then I went to the seminary six months after her death. I have five children and 14 grandchildren and I consider myself most richly blessed. I'm especially thankful for my bishop giving his blessing to go to the seminary.
Fr. Matt Wetsel
Albany
People might be surprised to know that I enjoy following sports teams from around the country, particularly Siena College (Albany, NY) basketball, the Kansas City Royals (baseball), the Minnesota Vikings (football), and the Orlando Magic (basketball).
Fr. Matthew Widder
Milwaukee
Fr. Matthew Wiering
New Ulm
People might be surprised to know that I desired to be a priest for the first time while working as a high school teacher. At one point I realized that I loved my students as if they were my own children, and it was at that point that I knew God was calling me to be a priest, that it would be possible to love people not my own as if they were my own.
Fr. Nicklaus Winker
St. Louis
Fr. Vincent Wirtner III
CPPS
People might be surprised to know that I taught myself to play guitar as a way to help with the stresses of philosophy studies.
Fr. Charles Wrobel
Milwaukee
Fr. Thomas Zahuta
Atlanta
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