This is part of a series to introduce the seminarians of the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
What is your home parish? My home parish is Christ the King in Oklahoma City.
What seminary do you attend? I attend Conception Seminary College in Conception, Mo.
If it is God’s will, what year will you be ordained a priest? God willing, I will be ordained a priest in 2025.
What advice would you give someone discerning a call to the priesthood? I would advise young men discerning to actively seek out the graces in confession and the Eucharist. You can't have a personal relationship with Christ if you don't spend time with him; adoration is important!
What do you look forward to most about becoming a priest? When I think about the priesthood, the thing I most look forward to is celebrating the sacred mysteries of the Eucharist on behalf of the people "in the person of Christ the Head." Also, I can invoke blessings in the name of God. How cool is that!
Name one thing that every Catholic needs to know. Every Catholic should know the beautiful and wonderful realities present in the Mass. With 2,000 years of tradition, symbolism and sacramental theology, there is so much more going on during that one hour than the eye can see! Knowledge of the Mass is knowledge of God and his love for us.
Why choose a life of sacrificial love? All Catholics are called to a life of sacrificial love; the heart of all vocations (and ultimately happiness) is a radical abandonment to God's will and a renunciation of self. Married couples do so by offering themselves for their spouse and children, and the priest by offering himself up for his flock: If understanding one's vocation and being happy is understanding how you are best called to love, then I believe I am created to love as a priest.
My favorite movie is “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.” I know that wasn't a question, but in case you were curious!
To learn more about seminary, contact Rev. Brian Buettner at [email protected] or (405) 721-9351. okcvocations.com.