My time as a seminarian
by Paul Timmerman
When I came to St. John Vianney Seminary (SJV), I knew that God was calling me to ministry in general and the seminary in particular, but I did not know for sure whether I would become a priest. At the time, I had questions about the sacraments and the real presence of Christ in the Holy Spirit. I would get into all sorts of late night conversations with other seminarians and in these conversations we would discuss "the meaning of it all"; matters of God, heaven, salvation, sacraments, and morality.
Between these conversations and some introductory classes about the Catholic church, I came to know why the Catholic church believes what it does. Then I started believing what the Catholic church said and realizing its great wisdom. I also became aware that the more I learned, the more I did not know.
I also remember when I first came to SJV how I could not believe that they wanted us to go to Mass every single day! I was use to going once a week, so this was quite a change! Because I questioned the real presence of Christ in the Holy Eucharist, I did not know the Mass. Now I understand the Mass and it has become an important part of my day.
Don’t get me wrong, the seminary is not just classes and prayer. We make sure socializing fits into the picture! I have many friends who are not in the seminary that I spend time with as well.
I have had many great opportunities by being in the seminary that I may not have had otherwise. Priests live right in the dormitory with us, one on each floor. I see them daily and through their example, they help form us to become good candidates for the priesthood. One of the best things about being in the seminary is that I am surrounded by other young men who are also discerning the priesthood. We support each other and share a deep bond; we are all trying to figure out God’s will in our life. There is such a spirit of prayer among the seminarians that I cannot help but become encouraged and grow closer to God in my own faith life.
These and many other great opportunities of being in seminary have given me memories that I will never forget. Some of these include being involved in the Passion play during Lent, visiting people in hospice, feeding and talking with the poor of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and teaching religious education classes to seventh graders.
I enjoyed high school a lot, but these three years in seminary have been so much more. These years have been the best years of my life! I have changed in so many good ways. I have grown deeper in my prayer, knowledge, virtue, and faith in the Catholic church. I can honestly look at myself now and know that I have become a better person. I have become more certain that God is calling me to become a priest. If, however, I discern that priesthood is not my call, then I will be a better husband and father because of my time in the seminary.
I had never felt such an inner peace in my life until I was in the seminary. I think that this is because I know that I am where God wants me to be and even though I fall at times, I know that I am striving to grow closer to God.
Paul Timmerman is a senior at St. John Vianney Seminary at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN. If you would like to visit the seminary contact the Diocesan