Seminary: Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary
College: Franklin Pierce University, Rindge NH.
Hometown: Amesbury, MA

Interest:
Assisting/supporting local community events. Golfing, Boating, Fishing. Enjoy listening to music.

Calling:
My first vocation was marriage for 36 years. Often, I have always believed that God has been calling/leading me for something more. Initiated by my Parish Pastor in December 2019, I started the discerning process, initially towards a vocation in the Permanent Diaconate, which ultimately led to the Priesthood. I am truly blessed and grateful to the Archdiocese of Boston and Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary for the opportunity to broaden and grow in my faith to spread His Love and Mercy to others.​

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: Boston University, MA
Hometown: Bradford, MA

Interest:
A nice cup of coffee, chess lately, listening to Wagner, playing soccer and tennis, and composing and writing; the best exercise is a nice walk, the best weather is overcast, and impromptu fisticuffs and arm-wrestling is the only thing weight-lifting is good for. Getting up early makes the day very enjoyable even if it makes me tired, and I enjoy long, drowsy Sunday afternoons.

Calling:
Pursuing the priesthood has been in the back of my mind since I was young, although during high school and early in college I didn’t consider it so seriously. When I met the community of Catholics at Boston University and came to know the Faith more deeply, I also came to know myself more deeply, and after some friends entered seminary it seemed a realistic possibility for me as well. I began living the sacramental life truly in college as I hadn’t before, and this is what gave me the grace to do what it seems God is calling me to do. After coming to seminary the call seems more and more certain as I witness the joyful lives of many priests.

Interest:
In my free times I enjoy playing video-games, learning new languages, reading, watching movies and listening to music and painting.

Calling:
Someone who has influenced in my decision to enter the Seminary has been my Cousin, it was through him that I went to a vocational meeting, it was there that I began to consider and discern my calling to the priesthood. Something that I enjoy as part of my vocation is to share time with families, to know their difficulties, to listen to them and at times also to encourage them and to let their faith be forged and shaped by their trials.

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: Ohio Northern University
Hometown: Spencerville, OH

Interest:
Hiking, mountain biking, lifting weights, reading, journaling, baking.

Calling:
God has given me a second opportunity to be in the seminary as a second career seminarian. I entered the first time after I graduated college, I later left to get work experience. After working in accounting and IT for ten years the return I thought would only take a couple years materialized and I reentered the seminary. While originally from Ohio I discerned that my place to live and minister is in the Archdiocese of Boston.

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: Providence College / Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Providence, MA
Hometown: Peabody, MA

Interest:
I enjoy watching football and playing fantasy football with a few groups of friends. I also enjoy playing board games and card games with my brother seminarians. Prior to entering seminary, I was the Grand Knight for my home Knights of Columbus council and I enjoy visiting them when I am able.

Calling:
I first entered seminary right upon graduating High School and I spent four years in college seminary and one year in major seminary before I discerned out and left to continue discerning where God was calling me. I taught high school and middle school religion for three years and then realized God was calling me to re-enter seminary. Since returning, God has confirmed this decision through many blessings.

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: Providence College / Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Providence, MA
Hometown: Franklin, MA

Interest:
I enjoy frisbee, soccer, board games, and reading.

Calling:
I received an inkling of a call when I was very young, after my family began praying 3 Hail Marys together every night to know our vocation. As time went on I learned more and more about the nature of the priesthood, and grew in love for the eucharist and the call felt stronger and stronger. When I finished high school I entered college seminary immediately, and the rest is history.

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: Boston College
Hometown: Stoneham, MA

Interest:
I have always enjoyed getting outdoors, playing pick up sports, and reading. In the seminary, none of my interests have had to slow down, having so many good guys to be with, and to share books and ideas. I’ve even picked up a greater interest is music and singing, as well as in watching classic films. No guy should worry about seminary being boring!

Calling:
God blessed me with Faith at a young age. Faith helped me to understand the questions that I had about life when I was in middle school and high school. That clarity that I had helped me also to see that the world needs to recover the Gospel and the Church. That begun a vocational discernment which continued through college. I was still unsure about the seminary at that point, so I focused on spiritual growth and staying close to the Chruch as I worked in the world for a few years. A day came where I was ready to ask for the applilcation, and filling it out felt so right that I submitted it and was accepted. Thanks be to God, five years later, I’ve never regretted it, and expect to be ordained a Priest of Jesus Christ in May 2023.

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: Harvard College, Cambridge, MA
Hometown: Brockton, MA

Interest:
I love reading, cooking, coffee, and being outdoors — my ideal day would be spending the morning in prayer with a cup of coffee, followed by a few hours in a novel (also with coffee), going for an afternoon hike, and cooking and sharing a meal with friends in the evening.

Calling:
I had a number of holy priests in my life who showed me the love of the Father. Their example of humility and their love for God has remained with me, and my desire to love and serve Christ in the way they did grew in the years following college. Ultimately, I desire to be as close to the Lord as possible and to do His will for my life, and I ask for the grace to continue to say “yes” to him throughout my time in formation and beyond.

Seminary: Pope John XXIII Weston MA
College: Northeastern University Boston MA
Hometown: Wellesley, MA

Interest:
I enjoy the Arts in the Boston scene. Trying new restaurants is fun. Historic and social places of interest are also of interest to me.

Calling:
I decided to give the seminary a chance, as I felt the call to priestly discernment for many years.

Interest:
I enjoy running, hiking, and Tough Mudders, as well as video games, fantasy novels, and the occasional board game. Everything is best done with friends.

Calling:
“I’m here because of the strong arm of God breaking down the walls of my heart. I didn’t want this vocation, it was gifted to me, and with it life abundant. Seminary is like those 80’s and 90’s movies where there’s a 5 minute training montage that spans several years and the guy comes out a fully trained ninja. Time passes inordinately fast but you come out on the other side a totally different person, conformed to God’s will. Come see for yourself, He’s calling, listen.”

Interest:
I am interested in traveling and discovering new places. I have come to several places in Boston, I am impressed with the historical background and the architectural buildings in this city. Besides, I spend some time in photography. This exercise gave me another look into the created world and the mighty power of the Creator, our Lord.

Calling:
The calling to priestly vocation came to me in my second year of university. After consulting my spiritual directors, pastor, and seminarian friends, I decided to attend the discerning program in Vietnam. In Late 2018, I came to St. John’s Seminary and became a Boston Seminarian. I am in the second year of theology. I am forming myself with all effort to be ready for the ministry in the future.

Interest:
Enjoy dining out with family and friends. Participating in local charities and community events. Enjoy boating, golfing and local motorcycle trips.

Calling:
“First of all, thanks to Fr. Caden and Fr. Zimmerman from the Boston Vocations Office for their support and assistance! After a 40 year career in Government and Industry I answered the Lords call to the Priesthood. My desire and hope are to grow in Holiness, Love and Mercy while being a good shepherd to His flock. I realize I cannot make this journey alone, and need the Grace and Strength of the Holy Spirit throughout my discernment.”

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: SENA, Valledupar-Cesar, Colombia
Hometown: Valledupar-Cesar, Colombia

Interest:
I really enjoy doing activities with the youth such as pilgrimages and sports. Especially pilgrimages, because I have experienced not only God’s providence but also His love through which He gives new life to many people. Moreover, serving the elderly is also an incredible experience because they always help me to be patient with those with special needs.

Calling:
I am the oldest of seven siblings, but I grew up full of resentment because of my father’s absence. This changed when I joined the Neocatechumenal Way because I discovered that God loved me unconditionally. When I experienced this love, it helped me re-build the relationship with my father, and brought me to consider the vocation to the priesthood. After a short period of discernment in Medellin, I was chosen to come to the seminary in Boston. I can truly say that along the way, God has always been faithful.

Interest:
I have many interests in the arts. I sing and play piano. I enjoy entertaining and cooking for friends and family. I like getting in the car and going on day trips around New England. I like being outdoors, gardening, going for walks, playing tennis and treasure hunting on the beach. I especially like genealogy and history so I like to go to museums and research family trees.

Calling:
Deciding to become a priest was probably the easiest decision I have ever made. I have always had a calling to the priesthood and after a lifetime of teaching, helping, serving, and administering to people, I decided (with help from the Holy Spirit) it was time to use my gifts to do the Lord’s work. I will continue to be an instrument of God in charity while spreading the good news of Jesus and the works of the Holy Spirit.

Seminary: Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary
College: Boston College
Hometown: Tiko, Cameroon, Africa

Interest:
I have played soccer from childhood. Indeed, many of my friends remember me for my soccer skills. I am happy that I am still able to play soccer these days, especially during the Summers. I also love watching soccer, lawn tennis, and football. My favorite soccer teams are Arsenal (England) and the New England Revolution (Boston). I also enjoy reading a good book. In recent times, I have enjoyed playing billiards.

Calling:
John comes from the English-speaking region of Cameroon in West/Central Africa. He has a B.A. in Philosophy from Uganda Martyrs University, Nkozi. John attended a Missionary Experience Program for two years in Kenya and went on to earn a Masters in Peace Studies and International Relations from Hekima University, Nairobi, Kenya. He has taught Political Science and Peace Studies at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa as well as at Mount Kenya University, Nairobi. In 2020 he graduated from Boston College with a Masters in Theology and Ministry. “I grew up in a traditional Catholic family where daily Mass attendance was a given. My mother woke us up at 5am every day for morning devotion before going to Mass. In many ways, my family was my first seminary and the values and virtues I uphold today were instilled in me by my family. The calling began at the age of seven and never seemed to subside throughout all religious writings and catechesis at University. While at Boston College, I attended a vocation retreat at PSJS and I was convinced it was time for me to continue with my discernment to the priesthood. I am very happy to be in this special seminary and I pray that God will continue to be with me in this formation journey.”

Interest:
I enjoy running, soccer, squash, hiking, and most sports. When I’m not playing sports, I enjoy: reading and writing; playing piano or learning guitar; and drinking a whole lot of coffee.

Calling:
“The original discernment retreat lasted 10 seconds…Christ walked along the shore, called, and 12 brave men answered” I was blessed to hear these words at a vocations retreat and graced to respond to them! It’s God who calls us, our only response should be Mary’s joyful Fiat. The life God has prepared for those who follow him is immeasurably greater than anything we could imagine.

Interest:
I was a working Musician before entering the seminary, playing the Piano, Organ, and Singing. I still enjoy playing music when time allows. I also enjoy going to the movies, going for long walks when the weather is nice, and dining with friends.

Calling:
I had great, holy Priests in my life that helped me discern this calling. I felt drawn to the life of the Priest, the work of the Priest, and his relationship with his flock. Without question, it can be a difficult choice to make. However, Jesus Christ comes to us in the power of prayer and the sacraments. He will guide us every step of the way. My time in the seminary has been the most fulfilling part of my life. I look forward to the Priesthood with great joy!

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: Ha Noi Open University
Hometown: Thuong Tin, Hanoi, Vietnam

Interest:
Since I was a kid, I have played soccer. Soccer taught me how to communicate, cheer, and encourage team working. I often watch the Premier League with my friends. My other hobbies are reading books, and especially I usually spend my leisure time reading novel books while listening to instrumental music. I enjoy walking, and I like spending time in nature and capturing all the beautiful moments of beauty with my camera.

Calling:
My home parish did not have a pastor when I was a kid. I got up at 4:30 am, then walked mostly 2 miles to the next town to attend the Sunday mass. Therefore I grew up intending to be a priest. My first pastor of my home parish influenced my vocation too. Due to his kindness and holiness, I have been attracted to the diocesan priestly vocation. Beside, my priestly call was influenced by my devoted catholic parents.​

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: Indiana University, Bloomington, Ind. (undergrad);
University of Portland, Portland, Ore. (grad)
Hometown: Boxford, MA

Interest:
​I love getting active — playing for the seminary basketball and soccer squads, biking, swimming, tennis, golf … moving the body is a key priority. And find me outdoors, dawg! Whether it’s hiking, backpacking, camping, or just reading/listening to music in an open field, I’m there for it. Other than that, a good blend of socializing (concerts, ballgames, etc.) and solitude (reading, writing, etc.) is usually the recipe.

Calling:
Some discernment stories may sound like a 100-yard dash: pretty straightforward. I’d analogize mine to an XC race through the woods … on which I fell multiple times, took wrong turns, and puked halfway through (i.e., not straightforward). God has been so faithful and patient with me. As I pursued different passions in my 20s and early 30s (e.g., working as a sports writer and later as a middle-school teacher), looked for satisfaction and fulfillment in worldly promises and pursuits, and saw my relationship with Him fluctuate through the years … He always stayed close to me … always … whether I realized it or not. And in time, through meeting priests whom I admired and respected;building a stronger prayer life (still got a ways to go, though, tbh);becoming more dedicated to frequenting the sacraments;and learning to just shut up and listen … His voice got clearer, He gave me the grace to trust Him in taking the next step toward seminary, and I’ll tell ya, He’s rewarded me with seemingly nonstop joy and peace ever since. God is so good. Two years into seminary and I’m still feeling called to the priesthood (thanks be to God), still experiencing His peace, and still trying to commit to the “simple stuff”: shutting up, surrendering my life to Him, and trusting in His Divine Will.

Interest:
“Before entering the seminary I wanted to study music at college level. I’ve been playing clarinet since middle school and played at the state competitive level in high school. I like learning new instruments. I’ve learned how to play saxophone, trumpet, and guitar on my own since entering the seminary and I hope to learn more. Soccer is my favorite sport. I like following Liga MX, the Premier League, and the Champions League.”

Calling:
My first pilgrimage was World Youth Day in Poland. This would eventually be the deciding factor in my decision to enter the seminary. Before that pilgrimage I had never even thought of the seminary. However, this event helped me to see that I was looking for more in my life. For that reason, although I was not certain if I would become a priest, I decided to let God reveal my vocation through the seminary.

Interest:
I have fun going to see Red Sox and Patriots games with my brothers. I enjoy taking long walks and bicycle riding by the ocean.

Calling:
Priesthood was one of many things I had considered as a calling when I was in high school but I decided to study computer science. After college I worked as a software engineer north of Boston for nearly 30 years. During that time I was as a chapel volunteer at Fernald State School. When the state closed Fernald I got involved with parish life. I volunteered to be an RCIA leader at my parish which lit my faith on fire. It drove me to discern my calling later in life.

Interest:
I enjoy nature, photography, and horseback riding.​

Calling:
My baptism meant very much to me when I was young. I understood it as a kind of pledge of myself to God, to give myself to Him for His worship and service. Eventually, a parish priest asked me if I had ever thought about becoming a priest myself and put me in touch with the Vocations Office.

Seminary: Saint John’s Seminary
College: KU Leuven
Hometown: Amesbury, MA

Interest:
My interests include 19th and 20th cent philosophy and theology, electric guitar, and exercise.

Calling:
I have met so many inspirational men and women of various religious communities, many diocesan priests like those in Boston, all of whom left a profound impression on me. I cannot list them all. They reside in many different countries and work for the Church in various capacities. They have all taught me so much; I am indebted to their example and friendliness. Our Church is big and beautiful — let this suffice.

Interest:
In my free time I like to take my mountain bike out and experience the many paved and unpaved trails in the area. The views of the city are also great on the many bike lanes. Kayaking is another seasonal recreation I enjoy but this winter I want to branch out to winter sports and try snowshoeing and cross country skiing. In all seasons going to they gym to lift weights is a staple in my schedule. When I can I also am up for going to live sports and music.

Calling:
Simply put every man is in the seminary because God has called him there, the contributions to determine this call for me is multiple, briefly: The example of good, holy priests that I want to follow in their footsteps. Many people strangers, parishioners, and friends even ones not practicing the faith have noticed in me something that caused them to encourage me in my vocation. Finally there is peace and consolation in following this call or even thinking of this call.

Interest:
In my free time I like to take my mountain bike out and experience the many paved and unpaved trails in the area. The views of the city are also great on the many bike lanes. Kayaking is another seasonal recreation I enjoy but this winter I want to branch out to winter sports and try snowshoeing and cross country skiing. In all seasons going to they gym to lift weights is a staple in my schedule. When I can I also am up for going to live sports and music.

Calling:
I had great, holy Priests that helped me discern this calling. I felt drawn to the life of the Priest, the work of the Priest, and his relationship with his flock. Without question, it can be a difficult choice to make. However, Jesus Christ comes to us in the power of prayer and the sacraments. He will guide us every step of the way. My time in the seminary has been the most fulfilling part of my life. I look forward to the Priesthood with great joy!

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
College: Brown University
Hometown: Dorchester, MA

Interest:
Nature, photography, and horseback riding.

Calling:
My baptism meant very much to me when I was young. I understood it as a kind of pledge of myself to God, to give myself to Him for His worship and service. Eventually, a parish priest asked me if I had ever thought about becoming a priest myself and put me in touch with the Vocations Office.

Seminary: St. John’s Seminary
Hometown: Brighton, MA

Interest:
I usually spend my leisure time reading books or playing sports. Along with this, I also like cooking when I have free time on the weekend.

Calling:
I grew up a devout Catholic in Viet Nam. When I was 9, I often served as an altar boy in my home parish. From that point, I was gradually attracted to the priesthood. So, when I graduated with a philosophy degree, I enrolled in Saint Joseph’s Seminary in Ha Noi, Viet Nam. My bishop sent me to Boston to study and to serve for the Archdiocese of Boston.