![]() ![]() He attended Catholic universities in Africa, earning a bachelor’s degree in the social sciences, a diploma in mission theology and a bachelor’s degree in sacred theology. John Baptist “Alex” Mwebaze, 39, originally from Uganda, said he was living in Baltimore when he felt drawn to being a priest in the archdiocese. “What stands out to me in the seminary is being around a great group of men who have such a strong devotion to Christ and are willing to lay down their lives and be an example of that as well,” said Selton, 23. Mary’s, he became a FOCUS missionary at Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Massachusetts, evangelizing college students. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, that call strengthened as his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary intensified. Michael Selton said he has long felt a call to the seminary. Some were homeschooled, while others attended public or Catholic schools. The new seminarians include a former lawyer, a salesman and a former urban missionary with the Source of All Hope outreach at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Baltimore. On average, it takes about seven years of formation. Parks/CR Staff)įather Roth noted that the amount of time it takes to become a priest varies depending on the background of each candidate. Mary’s Seminary and University, Roland Park, who is the eldest of three siblings and a native of Langley, Virginia. “I want to serve the church,” said Michael Selton, a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Baltimore at St. Lori, who ultimately makes a decision on acceptance. He undergoes background checks, a medical evaluation and a two-day psychological evaluation conducted by three psychologists.Ī screening committee evaluates candidates and makes a report to Archbishop William E. The applicant then writes an autobiography and an essay on the priesthood. If the vocations director believes a candidate to be strong, he invites him to apply. They know the church is struggling with a variety of issues and they see that as all the more reason why they want to be part of the solution.”Ĭandidates for the seminary first undergo interviews with Father Roth. “What unites them is the desire to serve the church. “They come from a variety of family and socioeconomic backgrounds,” said Father Roth, noting that the newcomers range in age from 18 to their late 40s. Parks/CR Staff)įather Steven Roth, vocations director for the archdiocese, said he was pleased with the number of men who have stepped forward – especially since the vocation office’s normal discernment programs were limited by the coronavirus pandemic. ![]() Mary’s Seminary and University in Roland Park Oct. Seminarians attend a fundamental theology class at St. In total, there are now 54 seminarians preparing to become archdiocesan priests. They include some international candidates from Colombia, Nigeria and Vietnam. “Every second counts, and I didn’t want to waste any of them if I could help it.”ĭamewood is one of 11 new seminarians accepted this year into the formation program for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. “Life is not very long and it takes a lifetime to change the world,” said Damewood, 18. John Paul II Seminary at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., where he has also begun college work. He was accepted into the priestly formation program and began seminary studies this fall at St. He wanted to be of service to God.Īfter talking with a seminarian at his parish, Damewood reached out to the Archdiocese of Baltimore’s vocations office. He started thinking about his life ahead – not just for the next few years, but decades into the future. Louis in Clarksville was all set to study jazz piano at a Nashville college.Īlthough he described the university as an “awesome place,” Damewood left college orientation with an unsettled feeling. After graduating from Calvert Hall College High School in Towson in the spring, the parishioner of St. Jordan Damewood thought he had his future pretty well mapped out. ![]() Pre-theology seminarian students Khoa Tran, from the Archdiocese of Baltimore, left, and Jeremy Barket, from the Diocese of Scranton, chat in the library of St. ![]()
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