This month we introduce you to our seven new seminarians. Below you will find a brief bio and their answers to a variety of questions as they prepare to start seminary. Please keep them in your prayers as they begin seminary next month.
Dan Angel St. John Vianney College Seminary Home Parish: St. Raphael, St. Petersburg
Dan is a native of St. Petersburg and a graduate of Holy Family Catholic School. In 2006, he graduated from Northeast High School as the salutatorian. He attended the University of Central Florida where he was majoring in marine biology. In addition to working with Shamu at Sea World, Dan enjoys reading, swimming, running, and volunteering. He was very active in the Catholic Campus Ministry program at UCF which helped him to discern a call to the priesthood. Realizing he could not outswim God, Dan will transfer into St. John Vianney College Seminary in August. His older brother, Bob, is also a seminarian for the Diocese of St. Petersburg.
Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you’re becoming a priest?My family and friends have all been very supportive of my decision to enter the seminary to one day, God willing, become a priest. I have only received positive reactions from everyone I've told, and this has really encouraged me in staying firm to the path God has called me to.
What’s the biggest sacrifice you will be making to go to the seminary?The biggest sacrifice will be leaving all of my friends that I have made up at UCF who have helped me along my journey in faith. I know, however, that they will continue to be there for me and be a source of strength along my way. Also, leaving my job at SeaWorld will be extremely hard. I have experienced and learned so much from my time there and have bonded with some amazing people and whales as well!
Are you nervous at all about starting the seminary in August?Well, I would be lying if I said that I was 100% confident and calm embarking on this new journey. The Lord has blessed me, however, and has brought me so much peace and resilience in this decision that I am definitely more excited than nervous about starting the seminary.
What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately? The best movie that I have seen lately would definitely be Sherlock Holmes. It has it all...action, suspense, intrigue, and the relationship between Holmes and Watson makes the movie.
Who is your favorite singer or music group?I have many artists that I am fond of, but I would say that Jack Johnson would be one of my favorites. His music relaxes the soul and brings me back to the sea every time I need it.
Who helped you decide to study for the priesthood?I believe the seed was planted by Fr. Tim Sherwood way back in the day, and then it has been cultivated by many priests and friends willing to challenge me along my way. Also, talking to some seminarians and close friends I knew helped in making the final decision once the call seemed ever present in my heart.
What are you looking forward to most at the seminary?At the seminary I am most looking forward to the brotherhood I have seem it to provide. I am also looking forward to expanding my knowledge of our faith and growing in holiness to better myself and be led closer to God.
Andrew Bauer St. John Vianney College Seminary Home Parish: Holy Family, St. Petersburg
Andrew was born and raised in St. Petersburg. He comes from a very large and very close family. He has five sisters and five brothers; Andrew is the fifth oldest. Like his siblings Andrew was homeschooled most of his life. This past year he has been enrolled at St. Petersburg College. In his free time, Andrew enjoys reading, writing, and playing sports. Feeling called to serve the larger family of the Church, Andrew 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?My family and friends are very supportive. I have been blessed with relatives that are devout Catholics!
What’s the biggest sacrifice you will be making to go to the seminary? Being away from my family and friends. I know that it will be busy at the seminary, but I hope to have sufficient time to keep in contact with my family.
Are you nervous at all about starting the seminary in August? I'm definitely nervous, but also excited at the same time. I can't wait to start!
What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately? I recently watched the newest Star Trek again, so I'd have to say that it'd be Star Trek.
Who is your favorite singer or music group? I really enjoy Jimmy Needham as a singer and artist.
Who helped you decide to study for the priesthood? My vocations director, my family, and close friends.
What are you looking forward to most at the seminary?The camaraderie between fellow seminarians, the chance to fully figure out God's call in my life, and just being in a Catholic college environment to study my faith in depth.
Joshua Hare St. John Vianney College Seminary Home Parish: St. Anthony the Abbot, Brooksville
Joshua was born in the Hudson area of Pasco County and grew up in Memphis, Tennessee. When he was eleven, his family embraced Catholicism and Joshua was confirmed and received the Eucharist for the first time. After beginning Catholic school in sixth grade, Joshua began to do very well academically and he then went on to Memphis Catholic High School. In 2008, Joshua and his mother moved to Brooksville and he transferred into Hernando High School where he graduated in June of this year. In high school, Joshua played baseball for two years and was on the ROTC drill team. Joshua also plays golf and enjoys computers. Deeply feeling a call to something more, Joshua 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? I would say some people may not understand my vocation, but all of my family and friends whole heartedly support me.
What’s the biggest sacrifice you will be making to go to the seminary? The biggest sacrifice I will have to make is giving up a room all to myself. If this is the biggest sacrifice I will have to make then it's well worth it.
Are you nervous at all about starting the seminary in August?Of Course I am. Who wouldn't be? This is a new chapter in my life but I'm definitely more excited than nervous.
What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately? The best one I've seen lately is "The Blind Side"
Who is your favorite singer or music group? I don't have a favorite band, but my rule is anything country. Although that’s not all I listen to, it's my favorite genre.
Who helped you decide to study for the priesthood? If I had to pick one person it would be Deacon Don, he has given me so much advice and never ceases to help me with whatever I need.
What are you looking forward to most at the seminary?I'm looking forward to Daily Mass, my favorite moments of my week are spent in mass, so to experience this joy every single day is a gift that I will treasure.
Maximilian Hart St. John Vianney College Seminary 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!
Brad Reed St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary Home Parish: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle, St. Petersburg
Brad is a native of St. Petersburg where he grew up. He attended St. Paul Catholic School until junior high and then began public school. He graduated from St. Petersburg High School in 2001. Brad has always been active in sports and plays tennis, golf, football, and baseball. He has one older sister and an older half-sister and half-brother. Brad has been considering the priesthood for a number of years and from 2007-2009, he was in formation with the Salesians of Don Bosco in Orange, NJ. He graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in Catholic Theology and Philosophy from Seton Hall University in 2009. For the past year, he taught at the School of the Immaculata. Learning to accept God’s will in his life, Brad will begin First Theology at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in August.
Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you’re becoming a priest? Most of my family and friends are very supportive of my decision. They have encouraged me and have told me that they think I would make a good priest.
What’s the biggest sacrifice you will be making to go to the seminary? It will be difficult for me to leave my family and friends behind to study. I have also enjoyed working as a teacher and at the Cathedral and will miss my students and co-workers at both places.
Are you nervous at all about starting the seminary in August? Actually, I am not nervous at all. It probably helps that I was in formation with the Salesians for two years and have already experienced seminary life.
What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately? In the theater, I would have to say Ironman 2. It was action-packed and also quite funny. At home, I watched Braveheart again and remembered how much I loved it.
Who is your favorite singer or music group? My favorite singer is Pavarotti. I can’t decide who my favorite group is, I like so many.
Who helped you decide to study for the priesthood? Some of my friends really influenced me to pursue the priesthood as well as my spiritual director. I suppose the Lord was the ultimate guide though!
What are you looking forward to most at the seminary? I look forward to studying theology again and I also look forward to building friendship and fraternity with my brother seminarians.
Bill Santhouse St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary Home Parish: St. Ignatius, Tarpon Springs
Bill was born in Mineola, NY and moved to Florida with his family a few years later. He has one younger brother and two younger sisters. His mother passed away in 2007 and his father recently remarried. Bill attended public school in Tarpon Springs/Palm Harbor area and graduated from Palm Harbor University High School in 1999. Bill then went to the University of South Florida as a communications major. Having a desire to do something more with his life, in the fall of 2002, Bill entered St. John Vianney College Seminary for the Diocese of St. Petersburg. Bill graduated with a B.A. in Philosophy from St. John Vianney College Seminary in 2005 and then began theological studies from at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary that August. The following summer, Bill decided to take some time off from the seminary as he searched for clarity in his vocation. Over the last few years, he has worked as a drug and alcohol juvenile counselor and more recently as a pharmacy technician. Bill enjoys sports (both playing and watching) as well as spending time with friends. Realizing that God has not stopped calling him to the priesthood, Bill will be returning at St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary in August.
Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you’re becoming a priest? Every member of my family has always supported my vocation. Most of my friends are very supportive, but some of them like to remind me constantly that I can still do good in the world without sacrificing so much. I like to remind them that the sacrifices a priest makes only makes sense within the context of a personal relationship with God and his calling for each of us.
What’s the biggest sacrifice you will be making to return to the seminary? The biggest sacrifice for me when I return to the seminary will probably be the lack of female companionship. This was the biggest struggle during my first four years of formation and it will probably remain the most challenging struggle/sacrifice if I am ordained a priest. I believe my experiences during my time away from formation have led me to a deeper and more realistic understanding of celibacy; it is something that I willingly chose to do now, and I can see it is integral to the priesthood, rather than a discipline simply tacked on solely for practical purposes.
Are you nervous at all about returning to the seminary in August? I am still nervous about returning to the seminary. I did four years of formation and four years off, so I believe these next few years will be among the most crucial of my life. I also know what some of my struggles and weaknesses will be, which sometimes leads to more worrying, which is never good. When this happens, I just remember that I am doing this because God is calling me. The minute I try to peer into the future and dwell too much on what might happen or how I may feel is the minute I am pretending to be God. He will see me through formation if it is His Will.
What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately? The best movie that I have seen recently is Iron Man 2. Robert Downey, Jr. is the second most talented actor behind Johnny Depp (in my humble opinion of course). Mickey Rourke's portrayal of the Russian physicist was pretty ace. The plot and action were very entertaining, and I think it
topped the first one in many ways.
Who is your favorite singer or music group? My music of choice has always been rock, both classic and heavy. My favorite classic rock band would have to be Pink Floyd. Listen to "Time" or "Us and Them" from Dark Side of the Moon. That entire album is a philosophical and psychological thrill ride if you analyze the lyrics. My favorite modern rock band is Sevendust. The music is very heavy and sometimes angry, but many of their songs relay an angst that is present in many teenagers and young adults today that I can definitely relate to.
Who helped you decide to study for the priesthood? I don't believe there is a specific person who helped me to decide. Initially, applying to be accepted to the seminary was something I decided to do before I spoke to anyone. Once I felt called to the priesthood, which was sophmore year of college, I kept it to myself and prayed every day for clarity because I wanted to doubt it at first. My mother of all people was probably the biggest influence on me in helping me focus on the joy and importance of my calling.
What are you looking forward to most to returning to the seminary? Without a doubt, I am looking forward to more prayer, both personal and communal. It has been extremely difficult for me to maintain a structured prayer life outside of the seminary. I hope to make prayer the most important part of my day and to maintain this habit throughout the rest of my life. People deserve good priests and God is going to need some good quality time with me to mold my heart into that of a priest's.
Tom Wilson St. John Vianney College Seminary Home Parish: Cathedral of St. Jude the Apostle
Tom is a native of St. Petersburg where he attended Catholic school for all but two years of his life. He has one younger sister. He is a graduate of St. Jude’s School and in 2000 graduated from St. Petersburg Catholic High School. After high school, he spent one year at the University of South Florida in Tampa. Tom has always had an interest in computers and for a number of years has had his own computer consulting business. In 2006, he was in the pre-novitiate program with the Salesians of Don Bosco in Orange, NJ while taking classes at Seton Hall University. Realizing that the running from God does not compute, Tom will transfer into St. John Vianney College Seminary in August.
Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you’re becoming a priest? I believe so. Nobody is really surprised and I've had nothing but extremely positive feedback.
What’s the biggest sacrifice you will be making to go to the seminary? I have a couple that come to mind: Not being able to see and spend time regularly with my family whom I am very close with, ending a longstanding relationship with a great girl, and shutting down my computer business which I've worked hard to build these past few years. Are you nervous at all about starting the seminary in August? Not really. I spent almost a year living with a religious order, so I am already somewhat familiar with the routine. I'm also fairly easy-going, so I am not too worried about "fitting in" or anything like that.
What’s the best movie you’ve seen lately? Avatar was great. The combination of live shots with computer enhancement is especially interesting to me being a computer geek.
Who is your favorite singer or music group? At the moment I'd say Matthew West. Many of his songs speak to me, especially "The Motions" and "You Are Everything."
Who helped you decide to study for the priesthood? There are so many great positive influences in my life and in our world. I think the most influential is Pope John Paul II. His life and death have been an extreme witness to the sacrifice of self that all are called to. In my own life I have had many great friends, some priests themselves, who have urged me in this direction and given me the push necessary to continue.
What are you looking forward to most at the seminary? The time to really pray, contemplate and discern. Life has been so busy these past few years that I sometimes feel like there is a great distance between God and myself. I want to correct that and give Him the time necessary to show me the path for my life.
Maybe the Lord is calling you to put other things aside in order to enter the seminary or a house of formation in order to truly discern whether or not the Lord is calling you to the priesthood or religious life. To explore the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, contact Fr. Len at (727) 345-3452 or at spvocation@dosp.org.
