Class: Third Theology
School: Kenrick Glennon Seminary, St. Louis
Home Parish: Saint John Nepomuk Parish, Yukon,
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 St. John Nepomuk in Yukon.
What seminary do you attend? I attend Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, Mo.
If it is God’s will, what year will you be ordained a priest? If it is God’s will, I will be ordained in 2022.
What advice would you give to someone discerning a call to the priesthood? Be open to the call. If you think you might be called to the priesthood, speak to your pastor, another priest or get in touch with the vocations director. They will help you to listen to what God is trying to tell you. Don’t be afraid. Whatever God has in store for you is going to be the best part of your life. It is worth whatever trials you may have to endure, and he will be with you every step of the way.
What do you look forward to most about becoming a priest? There are so many things I am looking forward to in becoming a priest, but I would have to say what I look forward to the most is celebrating the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Confession.
Name one thing that every Catholic needs to know. Our life in Christ should be the basis around which we form the rest of our life. Our ultimate goal is to be with God in heaven, every part of our lives should be ordered to that end.
Why choose a life of sacrificial love? It is what Jesus did. He chose to become one of us, to suffer and die for our redemption. As Jesus is our model for holiness and perfection, and even though it will be difficult, I can think of no good reason to choose anything else other than a life of sacrificial love.
Martin Parizek
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
5200 Glennon Dr.
St. Louis, MO 63119
To learn more about seminary, contact Rev. Brian Buettner at [email protected] or (405) 721-9351. okcvocations.com.