Vocation Stories

Casey Burgess

Your Home Town: Peterborough, NH 
Your Home Parish: Divine Mercy Parish, Parish of the Holy Spirit 
Your Current Age: 22 
Your Favorite Pastimes: Being outside! 
Your Favorite Food: Quesadillas 
Your Favorite Saint: St. Joseph 

What did you do before entering seminary?
I went to UNH for a few semesters before realizing that God wanted something else for me. I then spent two years working, first at a golf course and then for my parish, both of which were formative experiences. That whole time, I was very involved in parish and campus ministry. 

When Did You First Think That God Might Be Calling You to Be A Priest?
My pastor asked me about the priesthood when I was 16, and it came into my mind again before college, but I didn’t feel any draw towards it. That changed dramatically during my last semester at UNH – I began to recognize this quiet voice encouraging me to seriously consider priesthood. Although I was intimidated at first, it made more and more sense the more thought I gave it, and I came to recognize this as God leading me. 

What Has Been the Most Challenging Part of Being a Seminarian?
For me, the most challenging part is the change in situation of life: before seminary, I had never gone to Catholic school or lived outside NH or in a city, and it’s a very busy life. However, in any moment of being overwhelmed, I know that God is inviting me to rely more on Him and less on myself, which is absolutely essential in any vocation. Of course, I also miss parish life! 

What Has Been the Most Rewarding Part?
Seminary formation is such a gift – much of the time we’re all just going about our daily business, but there are many moments when I stop and realize how blessed I am to be here. Seminary can be a place of growth in every facet of your life and foster an ever-deeper relationship with God, all in preparation for priesthood. 

What Advice Would You Give a Man Considering a Vocation to Priesthood?
Do not be afraid! God made you and knows you perfectly, better than you know yourself, and He knows what He made you to do, so ask Him! Find a priest who can give you spiritual direction, which is not code for “conveyor belt to seminary,” it’s just to help you listen to and follow God’s voice. Try to let God direct you in little ways – this will help you learn to trust Him, and God always rewards those who are open to Him!

Please pray for Casey Burgess and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Casey at: Mr. Casey Burgess, c/o Our Lady of Providence Seminary, 485 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908.

Support seminarians like Casey Burgess, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Christian Collopy

Your Hometown: Rochester, NH
Your Home Parish: Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
Your Current Age: 19
Your Favorite Pastimes: Watching sports
Your Favorite Food: Cheeseburger
Your Favorite Saint: St. Padre Pio

What did you do before entering seminary?
Before I entered seminary, I was homeschooled, I was on a ski racing team, I participated in a Catholic youth group, and I was very active in the Boy Scouts.

When Did You First Think That God Might Be Calling You to Be A Priest?
I first thought God was calling me to be a priest when I was 8 years old and a priest from New York told me that God was calling me to be a priest.

What Has Been the Most Challenging Part of Being a Seminarian?
The most challenging part of being a seminarian for me has been getting used to the attention that a lot of people give me. I'm a reserved person so making myself more open has been challenging.

What Has Been the Most Rewarding Part?
The most rewarding part of being a seminarian has been feeling God's love through his people and knowing that people are constantly praying for me.

What Advice Would You Give a Man Considering a Vocation to Priesthood?
The advice I would give is to pray about your calling from God, talk to your pastor, and consider having spiritual direction before you enter the seminary if you feel God is calling you to the seminary. Talk to other seminarians as well because they are also discerning if being a priest is their vocation. My last piece of advice is to not be distracted by the noise of the world but to focus on God.

Please pray for Christian Collopy and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Christian at: Mr. Christian Collopy, c/o Our Lady of Providence Seminary, 485 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908.

Support seminarians like Christian Collopy, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Jacob Condi

Your Home Town: Penacook
Your Home Parish: Saint Peter, Auburn
Your Current Age: 23
Your Favorite Pastimes: Hiking, Chess, Sports, Watching Movies, and Reading
Your Favorite Food: Clam Chowder
Your Favorite Saint: Pope John Paul II

What Did You Do Before Entering Seminary?
Before seminary I studied history at Franciscan University of Steubenville. In my free-time I worked for the university chapel as a head altar server, and I also led a fraternal group for men focused on studying and teaching Saint John Paul II's Theology of the Body.

When Did You First Think That God Might Be Calling You to Be a Priest?
I first felt called to the priesthood when I was around eight years old. That call grew and receded in strength as time went on, but toward the end of college I decided that it was time to apply to seminary.

What Has Been the Most Challenging Part of Being a Seminarian?
There simply are not enough hours in the day for all the good things that are happening. Between prayer, academics, ministries, and social events, life in seminary is like trying to drink from a firehose.

What Has Been the Most Rewarding Part?
The outpouring of support and prayers from people in the diocese, and the brotherhood of my fellow seminarians.

What Advice Would You Give a Man Considering a Vocation to Priesthood?
Regular prayer is key. I highly recommend seeking the guidance of a spiritual director, as well as growing in devotion to Our Blessed Mother, whom Saint Louis de Montfort called "the sure means, the direct and immaculate way to Jesus and the perfect guide to him."

Please pray for Jacob Condi and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Jacob at: Mr. Jacob Condi, c/o St. Meinrad Seminary, 
200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577.

Support seminarians like Jacob Condi, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Caleb Goff

Your Hometown: Milton
Your Home Parish: St. Ignatius of Loyola & St. Mary’s Parishes Somersworth, NH
Your Current Age: 19
Your Favorite Pastimes: Socializing, Watching Movies/TV, Walking, Eating
Your Favorite Food: Fried Catfish
Your Favorite Saint: St. Padre Pio, St. Paul, St. John, Venerable Bishop Fulton Sheen

What did you do before entering seminary?
Before entering Our Lady of Providence Seminary (OLP), I studied Philosophy at St. Anselm College in Manchester, NH. While I was at St. Anselm College, I got the chance to learn in the Benedictine Tradition, and I even considered the call to religious life. Although I enjoyed the being there, I continually felt a call during prayer to further discern the call to priesthood. I decided to apply to OLP in the Spring of 2020.

When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a priest?
One day when I had finished altar serving mass for Fr. Daniel Sinabaldi, some parishioners came up to me afterwards and told me I should think about becoming a priest. I was in 4th or 5th grade when this happened, and I continued to serve on the altar for Fr. Dan until his passing in 2016. While serving with him, he would sometimes whisper, “You’re going to be doing this one day.” It was not until my sophomore year of high school that I started to really ask God, “Are you calling me to be a priest.” Through attending diocesan events (St. Andrew Dinners, Quo Vadis Days, etc.), Talking with Fr. Matt and other priests, and prayer, I decided to enter seminary to formally discern the call to priesthood. 

What has been the most challenging part of being of being a seminarian?
Most challenges that I struggle with are problems that many people struggle with. The hardest struggle is having humility and dying to self. Although community life and academics present their own challenges, it is good to build fraternity and further my education. I think that humility is the biggest challenge because as one discerns their vocation, the devil throws more curveballs to knock them off their game. This is why, when people ask me if I have any prayer intentions, I always answer, growth in the virtue of humility.

What is the most rewarding part?
Prayer of course is one of the most rewarding parts of seminary. Community prayer is beautiful and helps you to build a routine so that it is easier to maintain healthy habits of prayer. Other rewarding parts of seminary included building deeper fraternity with my brothers, and getting to better know the Church. 

What advice would you give a man considering a vocation to the priesthood?
Even though it may be cliché and someone discerning their vocation may get tired of hearing it, I recommend anyone considering their vocation should grow in prayer. In particular I would recommend three prayer routines. First, I would recommend Adoration and prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament, as there is no better way to discover God’s will for you than by sitting in His presence. Second, I would encourage people to consecrate themselves to Mary because Mary is the mother to all of us, and she desires a deeper relationship with us. Finally, I would encourage the recitation of the Most Holy Rosary, as there is no better way to get to know Mary and Jesus then by meditating on the mysteries of their lives. All of these practices will help you to get to know God better, and it will deepen your relationship with Him. When we get to know God better, we become more accustomed to hearing His soft voice and we better know how to do His will.

Please pray for Caleb Goff and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Caleb at: Mr. Caleb Goff, c/o Our Lady of Providence Seminary, 485 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908

Support seminarians like Caleb Goff, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Spencer Gregory

Your Hometown: Fremont
Your Home Parish: St. Michael Parish, Exeter
Your Current Age: 19
Your Favorite Pastimes: Playing music
Your Favorite Food: It depends on the day, but it almost always involves bacon.
Your Favorite Saint: St. Peter

What did you do before entering seminary?
Before entering seminary I was a musician. I played in Here on Earth Worship (a Catholic worship band in my home parish) as well as a secular alternative rock band. I've played shows at places like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio; Northeast Delta Dental Stadium in Manchester, NH; and the Rochester Opera House in Rochester, NH. I also got the chance to play on stage with Matt Maher at Soulfest in Gilford, NH.

When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a priest?
I first felt the call to priesthood when I was 8 years old. I found myself fascinated with everything the priest was doing at Mass, so I would go home and put on pretend Masses for my family. It seemed at the time like just another childhood phase and I eventually moved on from it, but a few years ago that call resurfaced in my life and after a couple years of praying and attending various discernment retreats and events I decided to apply for the seminary program!

What has been the most challenging part of being of being a seminarian?
The most challenging part of being a seminarian has been adjusting to the daily life in the seminary. It's a wonderful thing and the seminary is an amazing place, but every new journey requires adjustments. Getting used to a new schedule and all new people can certainly be challenging but I think (and pray) I'm up for the challenge!

What is the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part of seminary has been the friendships I've developed. Everyone in the seminary comes from a completely different background and we were all brought here for different reasons, but we're all here for the same purpose, and we're able to connect with each other through that. It's amazing to be a part of a group of guys who are all striving for holiness and all working towards the same goal, and we've all been able to grow in our relationships with Christ and with each other. 

What advice would you give a man considering a vocation to the priesthood?
Don't be afraid! The call to priesthood will often come in a moment when you least expect it, and that can be overwhelming and stressful at times. But trust in God! If this is where He is calling you, there's a reason for it. God will never lead you somewhere harmful or somewhere He doesn't want you to be. Be open to where He is calling you, and pray about it often. It is also helpful to talk to someone about it, whether that be your pastor or another priest, one of our seminarians, or your family or friends. Talking about your vocation out loud can often give you an idea of where you are and where you want to be, and where God wants you to be. There's a lot of great information out there about vocations, and our vocation office has several books, information brochures and prayer cards that can tell you anything you want to know about the vocation to priesthood or any other vocation! In the words of Fr. Josh Livingston, "If this is what God is calling you to, then it's such a joyful life."

Please pray for Spencer Gregory and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Spencer at: Mr. Spencer Gregory, c/o Our Lady of Providence Seminary, 485 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence, RI 02908

Support seminarians like Spencer Gregory, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Peter Phong Quang Lê

Your Hometown: Vietnam
Your Home Parish: Thanh Tan Parish
Your Current Age: 30
Your Favorite Pastimes: reading, listening music, and soccer
Your Favorite Food: Vegetable, chicken
Your Favorite Saint: Saint Joseph, Saint Anthony, Saint Teresa of Jesus.

What did you do before entering seminary?
Before entering Saint John’s seminary, I lived in a parish while I was studying at university in my home diocese in Vietnam. After I graduated from the university, I moved to another parish to receive further vocational training. At that time, I attended some activities, such as sports, musical programs, retreats, catechism classes, etc… Most of the time I lived in parishes to get many experiences to become a good priest in the future.

When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a Priest?
When I was a child, I really liked seminarians who wore the cassock, it looked beautiful. During studying at high school, I attended a vocations group in my parish and in another parish with about 40 young people who wanted to become a priest. This was the first time I thought about my vocation as the idea was new to me. I spent a lot of time praying to discern my vocation. As the result, I have recognized that God has been calling me.

What has been the most challenging part of being a seminarian?
Being a seminarian of the Diocese of Manchester and studying at Saint John’s Seminary in the United States, has had many challenges, such as language barriers, cultural adaptation, and getting used to American food. But through it all I have realized that God is calling me to be a priest, so I feel comfortable studying here. I feel grateful and blessed to learn a new language, new culture, and new food. Luckily, I really like the American food now, such as pizza and hamburgers which I did not like before. I also love to talk with native English speakers so that they can help me improve my communication and listening skills.

What has been the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part for me is the care and love from priests, seminaries, and professors. I have received many graces of God’s mercy through people who live around me and listen to me when I need someone to talk with. I have learned how to care and comfort others.

What advice would you give a man considering a vocation to priesthood?
I would ask “have you ever had the thought that God is calling you to be a priest?” Open your heart to talk with him and love him. If you want to serve the people of God including the poor, the needy, the lonely. If you feel you love God so much and you also feel that God loves you too, if you love praying or practicing contemplative meditation, I think that God might be calling you. You should answer him and follow his call.

Please pray for Peter Phong Quang Lê and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Peter at: Mr. Peter Phong Quang Lê, c/o St. Patrick Parish, 12 Main Street, Pelham, NH 03076-3724.

Support seminarians like Peter Phong Quang Lê, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Andre Nadeau

Your Hometown: Lancaster, NH
Your Home Parish: Gate of Heaven Parish
Your Current Age: 25
Your Favorite Pastimes: Music, paintball, target shooting, camping
Your Favorite Food: Mom’s shepherds pie
Your Favorite Saint: St. Pope JPII, St. Maximillian Kolbe

What did you do before entering seminary?
I worked as a land surveyor across ME, NH, and VT for my father’s company, Horizons Engineering. I also started a young adult group, played bass in our family band, taught youth ministry, and served as a counselor for Camp Eagles Cliff in Center Harbor.

When Did You First Think That God Might Be Calling You to Be A Priest?
The thought initially came to my mind in high school, but I was pursuing a relationship at that time. After graduating from White Mountain Community College in Berlin, I found I really enjoyed service and ministry work. I focused my attention there, and that passion led me to make the decision to apply for seminary. Priests offer their whole lives in service to the Church; I hope God is calling me to this vocation!

What Has Been the Most Challenging Part of Being a Seminarian?
Being away from home is certainly challenging. I grew up in a small town, homeschooled, with nine siblings, lots of land, and an active family environment.

What Has Been the Most Rewarding Part?
God has placed amazing people and opportunities in my life since my decision to join seminary. It is so rewarding to make new friends, grow in my spiritual life, and give every moment of myself to Christ in service to His Church! I also am finding new ways to serve and love my family.

What Advice Would You Give a Man Considering a Vocation to Priesthood?
I would say do not rush your discernment. I entered seminary at age 24, and am very happy with the accomplishments and adventures I undertook since graduating high school. That time allowed me to grow immensely in my love of service to the Church!

Please pray for Andre Nadeau and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Andre at: Mr. Andre Nadeau c/o St. Meinrad Seminary, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577.

Support seminarians like Andre Nadeau, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Eric Ouellette

Your Hometown: Epping NH, currently living in Hampton
Your Home Parish: St. Joseph’s Parish, Epping NH
Your Current Age: 24
Your Favorite Pastimes: Hiking, reading sci-fi & fantasy novels
Your Favorite Food: Probably chicken parmesan, but I’ll eat almost anything
Your Favorite Saint: St. Thomas Aquinas, unless I’ve lost something. Then it’s St. Anthony

What did you do before entering seminary? 
I went to the University of New Hampshire for my bachelor’s in computer engineering. I also worked at the UNH Interoperability Lab, testing ethernet devices during that time.

When Did You First Think That God Might Be Calling You to Be A Priest?
I first considered it when I was about 8 years old and had been thinking about it on and off ever since. I really began to take it seriously after my freshman year of college.

What Has Been the Most Challenging Part of Being a Seminarian?
The change from engineering to philosophy has been a tough challenge, but my professors have been great at helping me to understand everything that we’re learning.

What Has Been the Most Rewarding Part?
Seeing the whole community of guys in my class grow closer together and share how we all came to seminary has been incredibly rewarding.

What Advice Would You Give a Man Considering a Vocation to Priesthood?
Find a community of people who will support and encourage you as you try to discover God’s plan for your life and be open to whatever that plan may be.

Please pray for Eric Ouellette and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Eric at: Mr. Eric Ouellette, c/o St. Meinrad Seminary,  200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577.

Support seminarians like Eric Ouellette, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Horngam "Patrick" Razhamah

Your Home Town: Ukhrul, India
Your Home Parish: Christ the King Parish, Chingjaroi Khullen
Your Current Age: 25
Your Favorite Pastimes: Reading, learning guitar, listening to music and playing soccer
Your Favorite Food: Beef and Chicken
Your Favorite Saint: St. John Paul II, St. Padre Pio

What Did You Do Before Entering Seminary?
Before, I entered St. John Seminary, I was at my home parish, teaching at high school and assisting my pastor to carry out his ministry to different villages. I was also a leader for a student organization.

When Did You First Think That God Might Be Calling You to Be a Priest?
When I was in the 6th grade, I encountered many good and holy pastors who were never tired of working selflessly for God's people in my parish. During the Sunday's Mass, I heard them preaching great and inspiring homilies. These really drove my desire to become a priest. I shared my desire of becoming a priest with my parents, my pastor and the religious sisters in my home parish and they were very supportive. As I grew up I began to serve the Mass as an altar server which indeed drew me closer to the priesthood and my love for priesthood grew ardently. Until today, God has been so good, leading my path and helping me to still persevere in my vocation to priesthood. Praise be to God!

What Has Been the Most Challenging Part of Being a Seminarian?
The most challenging part of being a seminarian has been the difficulty to understand the professors in the class due to language barriers and growth in holiness daily.

What Has Been the Most Rewarding Part?
For me, as a seminarian, the most rewarding part has been the ability to learn and adapt new culture, encountering good and generous friends, and also the fraternal love that I share and experience in the seminary.

What Advice Would You Give a Man Considering a Vocation to Priesthood?
A vocation to the priesthood is a unique and special gift of God. Therefore, I would firstly advise a man considering a vocation to the priesthood to take your desire to Jesus in the Eucharist, because it's where the true identity of priest is revealed. I believe the experience of the Eucharist will deepen our love for the vocation to the priesthood. Secondly, I would advise a man to seek guidance from an experienced and holy priest.

Please pray for Horngam "Patrick" Razhamah and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Patrick at: Mr. Horngam Patrick Razhamah, c/o St. John's Seminary, 127 Lake Street, Brighton, MA 02135.

Support seminarians like Horngam "Patrick" Razhamah, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Guillaume Temkkit

Your Hometown: Lancaster, NH 
Your Home Parish: Gate of Heaven Parish
Your Current Age: 20
Your Favorite Pastimes: Chinese Checkers
Your Favorite Food: Maple Bacon Pizza
Your Favorite Saint: St. Michael the Archangel

What did you do before entering seminary?
I was a homeschooled student who worked at a wine cellar as a bus-boy for a summer job. I later did one year at a different college before I transferred to Providence.

When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a Priest?
I was around 13 when I first felt the call to seminary. Being deep in my faith, I thought priesthood may be for me even though I wanted something else for my life at the time, and it took time for me to learn that God's plan was better than my own.

What has been the most challenging part of being a seminarian?
The studies at school have been difficult, as well as managing my multiple responsibilities. Luckily, many of my brother seminarians were familiar with this problem and knew exactly how to help me with advice.

What has been the most rewarding part?
Being in a deeper form of discernment helps me to know exactly where I stand with my possible calling and with God. Being in this great environment has helped me to be very productive in my faith.

What advice would you give a man considering a vocation to priesthood?
Pray to God and seek an available priest you are close to to be your spiritual director. You don't need to be certain that you are called to be a priest before you enter seminary. I was certain on joining the seminary even though I still am unsure if God is calling me to priesthood.

Please pray for Guillaume Temkkit and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Guillaume at: Mr. Guillaume Temkkit, c/o St. Meinrad Seminary, 200 Hill Drive, St. Meinrad, IN 47577.

Support seminarians like Guillaume Temkkit, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.

Nick Wencis

Your Hometown: Atkinson, NH
Your Home Parish: St. Matthew Parish, Windham, NH
Your Current Age: 35
Your Favorite Pastimes: Playing guitar, golfing, going to the beach, drinking good coffee
Your Favorite Food: BBQ
Your Favorite Saint: St. Maximilian Kolbe

What did you do before entering seminary?
I spent the majority of my career working in Finance, where I researched publicly traded companies and performed investment analysis.  Most recently, I worked at an app analytics startup, where I helped run the finance team.

When did you first think that God might be calling you to be a Priest?
A pivotal point for me in my discernment process was when, right before a Zoom job interview, I heard a voice that didn’t come from me say, “You’d rather do this than work for me?” There is no doubt in my mind that God was speaking to me. This event, combined with many others, further solidified my calling to be a priest. 

What has been the most challenging part of being a seminarian?
The most challenging part of being a seminarian for me so far has been maintaining my prayer life while balancing school, formation, etc. Seminary life gets very busy between prayer, Mass, school, and various types of formation. It can be easy to put off prayer in order to focus on finishing a paper or studying for an exam.

What has been the most rewarding part?
The most rewarding part has been growing closer to God. Being at a seminary where I have the ability to pray more, learn, and be surrounded by like-minded individuals who share the same vocation and passion for our faith, has helped me grow closer to God.

What advice would you give a man considering a vocation to priesthood?
If you have strong conviction that you're being called to be a priest, say yes to God. It's an honor and a privilege to work for him.

Please pray for Nick Wencis and for an increase in vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life. You can send a personal note to Nick at: Mr. Nick Wencis, c/o Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, 558 South Avenue, Weston, MA 02493-2699.

Support seminarians like Nick Wencis, donate to the New Hampshire Catholic Appeal.