Maximilian Hart
St. John Vianney College Seminary (Sophmore Year)
Home Parish: Espiritu Santo, Safety Harbor

Max is a native of Pinellas County where he has lived all of his life. He grew up in a close knit family and has two sisters (one older and one younger). Since kindergarten, Max has been home schooled though for the better part of the last year he has been also taking classes at St. Petersburg College. In his free time, Max enjoys reading, writing, and playing chess. He also is an accomplished magician. Realizing that the call to priesthood is no mere sleight of hand, Max will begin St. John Vianney College Seminary in August.

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you’re becoming a priest? Yes.  I've been blessed with amazing people in my life.  Even the people who don't understand my decision still support it.

What’s the biggest sacrifice you will be making to go to the seminary?It's kind of hard to give up the idea of getting married and having kids - I'd have to say that's the biggest thing for me.

Are you nervous at all about starting the seminary in August? Not really.  Mostly, I'm excited to see what it will be like.  Ask me again the day before I go down and I might say "yes," but I don't think so.  There's a great peace that comes with knowing you're doing what God wants you to do. 

What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately?  Hmmm... I'd have to say The Lord of the Rings trilogy (yes, all three!).  Peter Jackson does such an incredible job of bringing the story to film and it's very close to the books.

Who is your favorite singer or music group?I really like Eric Genuis' music.  He's a Catholic classical composer whose music is arguably better than Chopin's (my second favorite composer).  I actually got a chance to meet him (Eric Genuis) when he did a concert at St. Patrick's in Largo.  My all-time favorite song is one of his: "Russian Ballade."  I like lots of different kinds of music, but I mainly listen to classical or Christian (Third Day, Casting Crowns, Matt Maher...)

Who helped you decide to study for the priesthood? It sounds weird, but I'd have to say the main "Who" is God.  Most of my discernment took place in prayer, and ultimately God is the one calling me, so He's the one to listen to.  But there have been dozens of people who have helped.  Fr. Rob Cadrecha is a huge factor in my vocation.  He was stationed at Espiritu Santo for only a year, but I learned a lot from him in that time.  He is my own personal model of joy and fulfillment in a priestly vocation.  My fellow seminarian Steven "Chuck" Dornquast is also in some way responsible for my decision.  He shows such a passion for "being Christ to other people" that it constantly reminds me what the priesthood is all about.

What are you looking forward to most at the seminary? The focus on God, having the chapel be so close (about 200 feet from the dorm building), and learning philosophy and Spanish!