AllTeam Members

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Diocese: Austin Hometown: Austin, TX Home Parish: St. Mary's, College Station Joshua Curtis Wales There was always something more. Through school, jobs, adventures, and even other ministry work, there was also something that left me hungering for more. Within my own poverty of heart and my own attempts at meeting people in theirs, what I could offer…

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Diocese: Austin Hometown: Military Family (moved often) Home Parish: St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco Josiah Paul Virnig In early college I discerned this call for six months, but the Lord led me out seemingly because of places he desired to heal and grow in me. After this, I entered a very beautiful relationship with a holy…

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Diocese: Austin Hometown: Humble, TX Home Parish: St. Mary Cathedral, Austin Qui Q. Ton After several years of volunteering in young adult ministry, I was prompted by my parents, friends, and vocation director to consider the priesthood. Initially, I was extremely resistant and unwilling to give up the self-created ideas for my future. But with prayer and…

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Archdiocese: Boston Hometown: Melrose, MA Home Parish: St. Patrick, Stoneham Paul Gerard Simko My faith life began to flourish at the University of Dallas, where I completed two years. Alongside academics and religious life on campus, my activity with Opus Dei increased. Friendship became a source and encouragement for my faith and calling as I found fullness…

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Archdiocese: Galveston-Houston Hometown: Houston, TX Home Parish: St. Faustina, Fulshear Andres Felipe Ramirez I was raised a Catholic. Growing up in Houston my family was involved with the church and its various ministries. As a result, I was introduced to the Eucharist early on. However, it was not until my discernment retreat as a junior in high…

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Diocese: Austin Hometown: Temple, TX Home Parish: St. Luke, Temple Steve Anthony Pina I believe my choice to discern priesthood now in seminary is the latest stage in what has been a lifelong journey towards truth, desire to discover my identity, and my growing relationship with God. No doubt aided by His grace through the prayers and…

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Diocese: Austin Hometown: El Paso, TX Home Parish: University Catholic Center, Austin Javier Rodolfo “Javy” Perez I received a Catholic education from kindergarten to high school, but it was not until my freshman year of college that I first encountered Jesus Christ. I knew my life had to change. Soon after, my spiritual life began to deepen…

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Diocese: Corpus Christi Hometown: Benavides, TX Home Parish: St. Elizabeth of Hungary, Alice Brian Andres Pendleton During high school, I began to realize that there was something taking place in the Mass that was more beautiful than I could ever fully appreciate. We witness the night of the Last Supper and the Passion every time we go…

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Diocese: Dallas Hometown: Plano, TX Home Parish: St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Plano Joseph Robert Tesoriero Menditto My discernment into seminary began in college. I mapped out exactly what I wanted my life to look like, and I did not realize that God had His own plan. Suddenly and radically, the Lord began to work within my heart…

Formation Stage: Propaedeutic Diocese: Lafayette Hometown: Eunice, LA Home Parish: St. Edward the Confessor, Richard Ian Randall McElwee My vocation story begins when I was eight years old. It was at this time that I received my first communion and was filled with zeal for hopes of the priesthood, thanks to many wonderful priests who my family introduced me to.…