Seminarians thankful for generous support

November is the month dedicated to prayers for vocations. Each year, the archdiocese promotes the annual Seminarian Education Appeal to the faithful, asking for financial support for the formation of future priests. 
Currently, 18 seminarians for the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City attend several different seminaries across the U.S. and in Rome. 

Father John Paul Lewis, the director of seminarians at the archdiocese, explained the goal of the appeal.

“Seminarians are the future of the Church. We need to support their education to form them as future priests. Without the priests we won’t have the Eucharist, and without the Eucharist we won’t have the Church,” Father Lewis said.

He encouraged Catholics to support the archdiocese in this effort, “As the archdiocese we want to make sure that seminarians don’t have to go into debt when studying toward priesthood but can focus all their time and energy on the Lord to become holy and reverent future priests who will devoutly and wholeheartedly serve the Church and the faithful in Oklahoma parishes.” 

Seminarians expressed their deep appreciation for continued charitable support from parishes across Oklahoma. 

Nathaniel Boyd from Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond, currently a senior at Conception Seminary in Missouri said, “A priest is not his own, but he is the people’s. I’m studying to be a shepherd of souls for the archdiocese, to give back to people of God even more than what they gave to me and be there for them and with them, especially in the moments when they need a priest most.” 

He shared his words of gratitude to all who helped him discern his vocation, “According to my mom, I was speaking about priesthood already when I was 3 years old … In my high school years, I dreamed of becoming either a priest or a medical doctor.” 

It was the support of his parents, parishioners and Father Brian Buettner, the director of vocations for the archdiocese, who helped him realize that priesthood is the perfect path God chose for him to serve people in Oklahoma.

Boyd said he enjoys his experience in the seminary, “I like reading, playing racket ball but most of all I love singing to the Lord … we have a true fraternity with my fellow seminarian brothers united in the same deep desire to grow in love for the Lord and for each other, and to be formed to become devoted priests of God and his people.” 

Henry Nguyen from Saint Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Oklahoma City is in his first theology year at Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary in Maryland. 

“I have received a tremendous support from my family, people of archdiocese, my own parish and two other parishes I served at during the summer assignment, Saint John the Baptist Catholic Church in Edmond and Saint Eugene Catholic Church in Oklahoma City. I’m so thankful for all their love, prayers, encouragement, and help,” Nguyen said.

His discernment to priesthood was sparked during his mission trip to Peru with Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. 

“The pastor asked all of us - missionaries to attend the daily Mass with the local community. I was astounded to see people who were so poor and simple yet so joyful and happy. I couldn’t quite comprehend this exalted happiness. The parish priest explained it to me, ‘They have Jesus, what else do they need?’ His words struck my heart and I started to discern my life vocation,” Nguyen said.

He elaborated on his realization that a priest has a special role to give the joy and love of Christ to all humanity on earth through the Eucharist, and this is how he wants to give his life to people of God in Oklahoma. 

“Sometimes we get homesick in seminary being far away from home.

Receiving a letter or a package from parishioners is such a great reminder that they love us, remember us and support us with their prayers. I want them to know that I’m praying for them each and every day. As they invest in us – seminarians, they invest in the future of the archdiocese, and we look forward to serving them as priests, God willing,” Nguyen said.

Deacon Stephen Jones from Saint Monica Catholic Church in Edmond has been selected by the archdiocese to study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome. He is in his last year of formation (Theology 4) and was ordained as a transitional deacon on Sept. 28. He is anticipating his ordination to priesthood in June.

“The most special part about being a seminarian in Rome is to be immersed in the heart of the Church. I was born and raised in Oklahoma, and so I have been able to bring this unique perspective to Rome,” Deacon Jones said. “Likewise, I will be able to bring a universal perspective back to Oklahoma. It is very special to be so close to the Holy Father.” 

He thanked the faithful of the archdiocese for their support by saying, “God will abundantly support the generosity that the people of God have shown to all of the seminarians of the archdiocese!”

Boyd added, “Thank you so much for the great gift of your financial support of my studies. It frees me from fears and burdens and enables me to focus totally on the Lord and following his voice as I study towards priesthood.”

Nguyen seconded, “The archdiocese’s support for my seminary studies means worlds to me. Words can’t describe how thankful I am.” 

Father John Paul Lewis offered words of gratitude to the faithful of the archdiocese.

“Your donation for seminarians is an important investment in the future of the Church! … I want to say thank you for your continued support and generous contributions during the appeal this year,” Father Lewis said.
To make a gift or learn more about the Seminarian Education Fund, visit archokc.org/seminarianappeal.
Contact information for seminarians can be found at archokc.org/penpal.

Jad Ziolkowska is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.