We are so happy to welcome our seminarian intern, John Baumgardner, who will return to SFDS June 26 through Aug. 7. He has spent the past year studying in Rome, and we recently asked him some questions.
Decision to enter seminary and study for the priesthood–
“Growing up, I always thought I would eventually get married, have a family, and work in the business world. I am the fifth of seven children in my family and went to both Catholic grade school and high school (Pius XI High School). Our family went to Mass every Sunday, but my faith was not something personal, I didn’t really know Jesus Christ. For college, I attended the University of St.Thomas in St. Paul, MN, and it was on a campus ministry retreat during my freshman year where I experienced the love of God in a way that was so profound and real, that it changed my life, and I began to make the Catholic faith my own. It was later in my freshman year that I first felt the call to the priesthood. Though I eventually graduated with a degree in finance, I entered seminary and now, God willing, am two years away from being ordained as a Catholic priest.”
Influences for me —
“My youngest brother Andy was born with a genetic disorder called Trisomy 8, so he has a number of both physical and mental disabilities. He very much impacted our family and certainly has been one of the biggest influences on my life. Children with disabilities are perhaps a cross at times for families, but such a blessing in so many ways, because they love in a way that is so pure and childlike. Growing up with him in our family, I always felt this desire to give myself completely to helping people at their deepest level. I couldn’t really articulate what it was, but later on, was able to recognize what I had felt earlier in my life as a call to the priesthood.”
Favorites sports and hobbies —
“I enjoy any opportunity that I have to play sports or to be outdoors — they are great breaks from theology studies. Growing up, I played both football and baseball in high school, and then had the opportunity to play football for two years at the University of St. Thomas. In high school, I was involved in Boy Scouts of America, so I enjoyed the opportunities that I had to camp and be outdoors. During my summer parish assignment in Lake Geneva, I’ve enjoyed the opportunities to run on the path alongside the lake. As well, I really appreciate any opportunity I have to spend time with family, especially seeing my younger nieces and nephews.”
What’s it like to study in Rome and serve for Mass alongside Pope Francis —
“Two things I’ve appreciated very much from my experience in studying at seminary in Rome. First, my courses are all taught in Italian and it has been a very humbling experience to work at learning another language. I’d like to think that because of this experience, I have a better appreciation for immigrants that come to the United States whose first language is not English. Second, since I am only at home and back in the diocese during the summer, the opportunities you have to be with family and friends mean much more. I continue to be more and more grateful for my family and home diocese the more I am away from it. On Saturday, May 2, 2015, our seminary in Rome, the North American College, hosted a day of reflection on the life of Blessed Junipero Serra, who will be canonized a saint by Pope Francis during his upcoming trip to the United States. As part of the day, Pope Francis celebrated Mass in our chapel and I had the privilege of being one of the acolytes for the Mass. Before Mass began, he greeted us all in the sacristy, so I was able to meet the Holy Father and shake his hand. I was struck by his holiness immediately, but also by the sense of weight, the sense of the Cross that comes with being the pastor of the world.”
What I would say to someone thinking about the priesthood —
“To not be afraid. A call to the priesthood or religious life could be something you want very much, or for others it could come as a surprise, something I don’t want to answer or think about. If priesthood is indeed your vocation, our Lord simply wants faith and He will do the rest. He doesn’t call the qualified, but He qualifies those He calls.”