SJV seminarians are powerful witnesses of the Gospel on campus and throughout the community. Trained to live the New Evangelization as “missionary disciples,” men participate in service projects, teach religious education, lead Bible studies, and are involved in campus activities. As part of their pastoral formation, SJV seminarians complete a Pastoral Ministry Practicum and a Religious Education Practicum. Second-year men who are immersed in their teaching apostolates shared fruits from their time in the classroom:
Logan Halma
Diocese of Sioux Falls
“My presence as a seminarian has impacted many young men to be comfortable with the idea of a priestly vocation. As they come to know this ordinary guy trying to answer this interior call and give his life to God, they no longer hold these false ideas of how to become a priest.”
Jonathan Jensen
Diocese of Grand Rapids
“It’s really helpful to see how the Lord is working in the area while really getting to know a variety of communities and people.
Ashton Lacko
Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis
“The priests of the future must be able to connect with the youth of their parishes and have well-developed dispositions of compassion and empathy, all of which can be cultured in a seminarian’s heart by his experience at a local parish.”
Carlos Sepulveda
Archdiocese of Chicago
“This is helping me prepare for priesthood by being pastoral, meeting people where they are, and helping them get closer to the Lord.”
Benjamin Sundlie
Diocese of Duluth
“We either get pushed into the deep now or later—the only difference is our duty. I would much rather be immersed in the parish culture now while my duty is less than when I’m a priest and my duty is that of a Father.”
This article was originally published in the Fall 2023 Vianney News magazine.