Chris McBride St. John Vianney College Seminary (Junior Year) Home Parish: St. Raphael, St. Petersburg

Chris McBride was born in Providence, Rhode Island, but grew up in St. Petersburg.  He has one older brother and one younger brother.  He has been very involved in his parish of St. Raphael’s as well as at his high school.  He was a member of Student Government for four years at St. Petersburg Catholic High School.  Chris graduated from St. Petersburg Catholic in 2008 and is now a junior at St. John Vianney College Seminary in Miami.  In 2008 he also became an Eagle Scout.  He is an avid runner and was on both his high school’s cross county and track and field team as well as holding a black belt in martial arts.

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you’re becoming a priest? Most of my family and friends thinks it’s a good idea. I get both sides though. A couple of my friends tell me that they are pretty sure I am not going to become a priest, but I tell them I am trying to put it in God's hands and find out what I am meant to do.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be? As I was growing up I always wanted to be a psychologist. I dreamed of counseling all sorts of people especially married couples. In the last few years I have thought of being a youth minister or teacher. I believe if I wasn't a priest I would be a counselor and teacher.

How many brothers and sisters do you have? I have two brothers - an older brother who is 24 and a younger brother who is 16.

What is your favorite TV program? I don't watch TV much here since Major League Baseball season is over. When it was going on I watched the Rays play. I have been a fan since around 2002. Every once in a while I do watch shows. Two of my favorite programs are That 70s Show and Friends.

Who is your favorite singer or music group? This is very hard question. I listen to a great variety of music. My favorite Christian band is Casting Crowns, rock band is either Nickelback or 3 Doors Down, and alternative punk band is Taking Back Sunday.

Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest? Yes I do. Some of the classes can get draggy, but when I keep telling myself why I am doing this. Studying to be a priest is not all fun, but it is important to remember what brought you to the seminary and why you are doing it.

How is a seminary different than a regular school? The seminary is a very different school and atmosphere. The teachers care and the priests here are very helpful. I am so blessed to have the type of priests here at the seminary to help me with my formation and discernment.

How often do you see your family? I see my family at least 2 times in the span of one semester.

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don’t make much money? I don't see how money would be a problem. The Church and Diocese supports all of your finances, housing, and health insurance

Who helped you decide to become a priest? Many priests have helped me take this step to come to the seminary, further discern my vocation and possible call to the priesthood. My family, youth group, boy scouts, and other activities helped form me.

When did you decide to study to be a priest? I decided in January of 2008 shortly after starting the application process.

How did you know God was calling you to be a priest? I don’t know if God is calling me to be a priest. I came to there seminary to open myself up to a possible call to the priesthood. Many people have told me I would make a good priest and I have seen qualities in me that could develop into strong priestly qualities. I am in the seminary to strengthen these qualities and to lay down all my plans, all my dreams at His feet.

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest? If I become a priest I would probably say the best thing is to help guide a couple into marriage. To guide this couple into the right direction and give them advice because marriage is just as hard to go through as priestly formation is. The only difference is people can rush the marriage process, while priesthood is a 6-9 year process at minimum. I think this would be one of the best things, for me, about being a priest aside from reconciliation.