Seminarians of the Archdiocese of San Antonio

These are the men studying to be priests here in the Archdiocese. They are from different places, with different stories, and in different levels of study. If you are discerning, maybe their stories may help you in your journey. We hope you will pray for them as they continue walking the path God has laid out for them.

Level of Study: 4th Theology

The Holy Spirit touched my heart during my weekend ACTS retreat and changed my life forever. My faith community at St. Luke and Fr. Mike Horan have shown their loving support for my decision to enter seminary. The greatest gift after ordination I can think of is to give myself to the people of the Archdiocese.

Level of Study: 3rd Theology

Mi familia, Fr. John Vougnh, OFM y Fr. Carlos Dávalos han sido modelos de inspiración para responder a Dios en humildad, generosidad y alegría al llamado que ha hecho de mi en su misericordia y de invitación a compartir con su divino hijo el ministerio sacerdotal.

Level of Study: Pastoral Year – St. John Berchman's – San Antonio

A key person in my call to the priesthood is my friend named Fr. David. He was my Spiritual Director prior to entering Seminary formation. I saw Fr. David as a man of prayer who was always ready to listen and help others. He showed me how to find Jesus in my prayers, to always ask with faith, and to trust always in God. The priesthood excites me because in serving God’s people I will be able to journey with them in their faith and be a presence of Christ’s love for them.

Level of Study: Pastoral Year – Our Lady of Guadalupe, Helotes

"I always thought that God is calling us to do something remarkable in our lives. The priesthood is one way for this. My vocation is inspired serving with Missionaries of San Jose in El Salvador and Archbishop Oscar A. Romero, his example and life were extraordinary. I received the sacrament of Baptism from him. The priesthood is a gift that comes from God, I accepted this gift and I decided to do something remarkable in my life serving to the people of God"

Level of Study: Pastoral Year – St. Luke San Antonio

The inspiration for my vocation to the priesthood came from the Franciscan Friars who raised me in my native country of Somalia. I benefited from their care and love that now I want to emulate them in caring for God’s people by sharing my gifts and life with them as I bring them the sacraments. I like to help people and I am especially sensitive to the needs of the suffering.

Level of Study: 2nd Theology

La admiración y respeto de mis papás por los sacerdotes mi mejor inspiración; la santidad y servicio a los demás mi major proyecto en manos de Dios. FIAT!

Level of Study: 2nd Theology

I decided to become a priest when I was really young; I was about 8 years old. One day I was just watching mass and decided that I wanted to become a priest. I never had one priest that specifically influenced me; all of the priest from Panna Maria influenced my vocation. I have never strayed from this path.

Level of Study: 2nd Theology

The Holy Spirit waked His power through my church ministries to guide me to the priestly vocation. My greatest excitement about being a priest would be celebrating Holy Mass and the Sacraments. I feel very blessed to be on this journey with Jesus Christ.

Level of Study: 1st Theology

God used a woman’s suggestion, Scripture, and prayer to show me within one hour that He was calling me to the priesthood. After that, I discerned diocesan priesthood and "put out into deep water" to follow Christ (Luke 5:4). It was also my love and trust in Jesus that gave me the direction and courage necessary to enter seminary.

Level of Study: 1st Theology

I began discerning my vocation as a young altar boy when Father Kris Bauta asked if I ever considered becoming a priest. His question remained with me throughout college, law school and a brief professional career. I received the gift of the Holy Spirit as confirmation of my calling and I now joyfully anticipate giving my self to the priesthood of Jesus Christ.

Level of Study: 1st Theology

My vocation has been influenced by the many people God has lovingly placed in my life, namely my parents and the Rodriguez family. They have always been there to inspire and motivate me and my faith. As a priest I look forward to serving Christ and his people.

Level of Study: 1st Theology

In my vocation and maturity process I have always seen the love of Our Lady holding me by the hand and guiding me. Ever since I was a kid, I have been moved by Pope John Paul II’s courage, piety and humanism. I’ve also been encourage by the positive life testimonies and personal commitment of some priest friends of mine. But, I especially owe my vocation to my parents. What is it that attracts me to Priesthood? Living for Christ and the Church, by serving others, is the only human thing worth living my life for.

Level of Study: 2nd Pre-Theology

My family first inspired me because of the love they have for each other, for me and for God. Another inspiration is St. Thomas more who under tremendous pressure from Henry VII and other defended the faith fill his lost breath. I look forward to helping defend the faith, help the poor and make the Archdiocese stronger.

Level of Study: 2nd Pre-Theology

The missionary Sisters of Jesus, Mary and Joseph are the faithful servants that have inspired me. I grew up with them and have worked with them for many years, years that will always be remembered as prime examples of faith, hope, and love. Through their service they have brought many to experience the gift of love that God give us. And now, it is I that need to take that leap of faith to serve God’s people with love.

Level of Study: 2nd Pre-Theology

My mother inspired and prepared me in my vocation toward the priesthood. I was also influenced by my relatives from my mother’s side as I observed how they faithfully practiced their Catholic faith. With the grace of God that I do become a priest, I will adhere to the teachings of the Church and focus on being a good spiritual counselor for the people of my parish.

Level of Study: 1st Pre-Theology

Jesus Christ’s life, death, and resurrection inspired me to follow Him, communicate His teachings, and make His salvation known by the forgiveness of sins. I pray to someday serve God’s people as a loving and caring priest.

Level of Study: College

Since I was about 8 years old I’ve felt a steady beckoning to the priesthood. Halfway through my first year of college I realized that there was no secular study that appealed to me, instead I wanted to pursue God with every resource at my disposal and pursue the calling I felt years earlier.

Level of Study: College

Words are not sufficient to describe a vocational story, because God’s love is not easy to describe. In my case, it was in a priestly ordination. It was in a small town, in a very small cathedral, with only a priest and a deacon, everything was very humble. But in that simple ordination, without a huge orchestra or big flowers, God touched my heart, and I realized that God does not need ostentatious things to touch hearts and to say “Follow Me.”

Level of Study: College Program

My Vocation has been profoundly influenced by the lives of the saints. St. Francis De Salas in particular inspired me to choose to pursue my vocation and imitate the Apostles to help bring all souls to Church.

Level of Study: College

"My vocation influenced by the examples of Fr. Wallis Stiles, Fr. Ken Dakin & Deacon Richard Edminson. As pastors they showed great love for the sacraments & the church. I pray, through the intercession of Mary, that one day I will be able to join them in the Holy Sacrifice of Mass."

Level of Study: 2nd Theology

My vocation was inspired by the dedication of many people, laity and clergy, who served in the field of education and counseling. They have given me the confidence and faith in God’s presence by providing His strength through the gift of guidance and perseverance. I look forward to serving God and His church as an instrument of His sacramental grace by bringing prayer to people’s everyday lives.

Seminarian Candidate

I’ve felt drawn to the priesthood since the 8th grade. Through my own faults I’ve ignored “The Call” until recently when the Holy Spirit has made me take time to see and listen to what God has planned for my life. I now see that my mission in life is to serve Christ and His people.

There are various levels of seminary study:

• Language – Study for English proficiency
• College – For those who do not yet have an undergraduate degree there is college seminary
• Pre-Theology – For those who have an undergraduate or other degrees but have not completed the required number of credit hours in Philosophy and Religious studies set by the US Bishops
• Theology – There are 4 years of Theology in the major seminary program
• Pastoral Year – Usually between the third and fourth year of Theology, the seminarians spend a year living in a parish community learning hands on through full-time ministry