Everyone has his own path to the seminary, his own journey, his own response to Jesus’ call: “Come, follow Me.”  Nevertheless, there are some basic similarities that can be found in everyone’s journey.  You can read some real life examples of this journey in the short biographies of the seminarians on the “Ogdensburg Seminarians” page.  But here you can find something a little different: the generic journeys of 4 individuals corresponding to the 4 basic routes to the seminary: Matthew (the high school graduate); Mark (the college student); Luke (the college graduate); and John (coming to the seminary after years of previous employment).

Matthew

Matthew had seriously considered the priesthood as a junior in high school.  On more than one occasion people had asked him if he had ever thought about becoming a priest, and he had even brought it up in conversation to a couple of priests that he knew. Read More.....

Mark

Mark was a college sophomore studying civil engineering.  When he was young his family went to Mass on Christmas and Easter (sometimes on Palm Sunday and Ash Wednesday). Read More.....

Luke

Luke first thought of being a priest at the age of 5.  He and his family went to weekly Mass, and he was so impressed with Father Edward that he started playing Mass at home.  With a bathrobe for a vestment, a cup of fruit juice for the chalice, carrot slices for hosts, and an assortment of 3 younger siblings and stuffed animals for a congregation, “Father Luke” was loving life. Read More.....

John

After 14 years working as a New York State Trooper, John wanted something else in his life.  He already had success—after the four and a half years it took him to get his undergraduate degree, he found a good career as a state trooper.  It was a good fit.  He liked protecting and serving, and he was good at it.  He also had many friends—both coworkers and those outside of law enforcement.  Finally, he knew that he was blessed in his family.  The youngest of 5 children, he knew the benefits of loving parents, close siblings, and even the joy of being an uncle (and a godfather) to his siblings’ children. Read More.....