Meet Our Seminarians

Daniel Mani

Birthday: August 11th
Home Parish: St. William Catholic Church, Round Rock
Seminary: St. John’s Seminary – Camarillo, CA
Level of Formation: Configuration III
Patron Saint: St. Dominic Savio, Mns. Romero, San Josesito
Random Fact: I was religious before with the Misioneros Servidores de la Palabra (Missionaries Servants of the Word) for four years before joining the Diocese of Austin.
Vocation Story: While serving as a religious in Providence, Road Island, my pastor became sick and he retired from active ministry. A couple of months after he left, the parish where I was serving closed due to not having another priest available to take over the parish. That situation reminded me of the text “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion for them, because they were distressed and scattered, as sheep not having a shepherd. (Mt 9:36) It was at these time that I first felt God inviting me to be His priest.

Dcn. W. Luke Parlow

Birthday: December 1st
Home Parish: St. Anthony, Bryan
Seminary: Pontifical North American College – Rome, IT
Level of Formation: Transitional Diaconate
Patron Saints: St. Lucy, St. John, St. Luke
Random Fact: I have been skydiving twice.
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: During my first year at Texas A&M, I began to feel a gentle invitation to follow the Lord with my whole life. During a period of prayer and discernment with a priest there, it became clear that God was inviting me to enter into a vocation to the priesthood. After my first year at Texas A&M, I left for Holy Trinity Seminary in Dallas. The Lord has continued to call me to Him and give me the peace and strength to continue.

Jorge Rivera Castro

Birthday: September 3
Home Parish: Santa Teresa Parish, Bryan
Seminary: Seminario Hispano de Santa Maria de Guadalupe – Ciudad de Mexico, MX
Level of Formation: Configuration III
Patron Saint: St. Therese of the Child Jesus
Random Fact: I desire to please God.
Vocation Story: Convinced of God´s love – which captivates me with His patience and Eternal Fatherhood – I desire to remain immersed in the Divine Will, and always in the sweetness of Most Holy Mary.

Dcn. Livinus Idag

Birthday: November 8
Home Parish: St. Thomas More
Seminary: St. Mary’s Seminary – Houston, TX
Level of Formation: Transitional Diaconate
Patron Saints: Saints Augustine of Hippo and Francis of Assisi
Random Fact: Imagine, my father called me his father!
Vocation Story: A convert from Methodist to Catholic Church by God’s providence. My desire to enter the seminary began as an intense desire and longing for holiness after my baptism and confirmation. It became stronger when I encountered holy priests and daily reading and meditation of the scripture. Then, I came across this passage saying, “And there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the sake of the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 19:12).

Porfirio Duarte

Birthday: September 15th
Home Parish: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Austin
Seminary: St. John’s Seminary – Camarillo, CA
Level of Formation: Configuration III
Patron Saint: St. Jude
Random Fact: I like sports, running, and video games.
Vocation Story: I first received my calling at Sacred Heart in a young adult retreat in 2009. After a few years of discernment, I entered the house of discernment in Borromeo House for 9 to 10 months. Then I entered the seminary in St. Joseph and began my philosophical studies there, which lasted for a total of five years. In 2023, I graduated and started my theological studies at St. Mary’s Seminary. Having just finished my second year at St. Mary’s Seminary; I have completed seven years of formation. I am currently going on a pastoral year from 2025 to 2026.

Vincent Torregosa

Benjamin Martinez

Birthday: March 23rd
Home Parish: Christ the King, Belton
Parish Assignment: St. Mary’s Seminary – Houston, TX
Level of Formation: Configuration III
Patron Saints: St. Ivo of Kermartin, St. Thomas More, and St. Oscar Romero
Random Fact: I love paddle-boarding, dog-walking, reading, and of course adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Also, something interesting about me is: I was Baptized in Hawaii, Received First Holy Communion in California, and was Confirmed in Texas.
College: Baylor University
Vocation Story: While on a trip to El Salvador while in college, I encountered the reality of my Catholic faith in the blood-soaked vestments of St. Oscar Romero. Tertullian once wrote “the blood of martyrs is seed for the church” and my experience certainly testifies to the truth of this statement. As time went by, I began to feel that God was calling me to something more so after graduating from Baylor Law School and practicing in central Texas, I discerned a call to the permanent diaconate. As a result of the formation I received, my prayer life grew deeper, and I could sense the Lord reshaping my heart for what was coming next. I began formation for the priesthood at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, LA in the fall of 2021 before moving to St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston in 2025. My biggest take-away has been a deepened relationship with the Lord, and a more profound sense of confidence in my identity as a son.

Kevin Kelly

Birthday: July 25th
Home Parish: St. Martin de Porres Catholic Church, Dripping Springs
Seminary: North American College
Level of Formation: Configuration III
Patron Saint: St. Damien of Molokia
Random Fact: I received my Sacraments of Initiation in three different countries.
Vocation Story: I have wanted to be a priest ever since I can remember. From playing mass to serving at my parish, the priesthood was always on my heart. After a wonderful and grace-filled retreat in December of my senior year of high school, I asked for the application to the Diocese.

Ryan Both

Birthday: August 30
Home Parish: St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco
Seminary: Pontifical North American College – Rome, IT
Level of Formation: Configuration III
Patron Saints: St. Augustine, St. Mary Magdalene, St. John Chrysostom
Random Fact: I am a painter and iconographer!
College: Baylor University
Vocation Story: I was raised as a protestant and converted to Catholicism while I was studying Great Texts at Baylor University. On the Feast of the Presentation of our Lord, I heard an impactful homily about carrying Christ and its place in the Christian life; Blessed Mary carried Christ in her womb, Simeon carried Christ in his arms, and Simon the Cyrene helped carry the cross. During the Eucharistic prayer, when the priest elevated the host in his hands, I felt called and convicted to carry Christ to others Sacramentally. After several years of discernment, I felt that the Lord was calling me to enter the Seminary, and I am thankful for the ways he has blessed me throughout this time so far.

Luke Hubacek

Birthday: March 31
Home Parish: St. Joseph, Bryan
Seminary: St. Patrick’s Parish, Hutto
Level of Formation: Pastoral Year
Patron Saints: St. John Vianney, Bl. (soon to be Saint) Carlo Acutis, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Paul, St. Luke
Random Fact: I am 19 minutes older than my twin sister.
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: I first felt a calling to the priesthood when I was on a retreat in 7th grade in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. I did not respond to this calling, though, until I was studying at Texas A&M, where it became clear through spiritual direction, vocation discernment events, and prayer that I should apply to seminary. During my senior year I applied and was accepted to the Diocese of Austin, and I am currently in my fourth year of seminary formation, studying at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston!

William Dodd

Birthday: October 24
Home Parish: University Catholic Center, Austin
Seminary: St. Mary’s Seminary – Houston, TX
Level of Formation: Configuration III
Patron Saints: Padre Pio, St. Maximilian Kolbe, Ven. Mary of Agreda, St. Alphonsus Liguori
Random Fact: I love white water rafting.
College: The University of Texas
Vocation Story: I first felt a call to the priesthood when I was 13. Years later I entered religious life with the Norbertines of St. Michael’s Abbey in California, where I spent 5 years. Desiring a life of active priestly ministry and pastoral care, I joined the Diocese of Austin last year. I have a deep love for the liturgy and for spreading the glories of our Blessed Mother.

Jeremy Casal

Birthday: February 22
Home Parish: St. William’s Catholic Church, Round Rock
Seminary: St. Mary’s Seminary – Houston, TX
Level of Formation: Configuration II
Patron Saint: St. Pedro Calungsod, St. Joseph, St. Faustina.
Random Fact: I enjoy rock climbing.
Vocation Story: I became an altar server in middle school and through this truly began to love the Mass. Once I began to love the Mass, I began to understand the beauty of the vocation of the priesthood. Hence, I began discerning in high school. A year after high school I discerned that God was calling me to enter the seminary, so I applied and entered in the fall of 2020.

Ethan Rice

Birthday: June 3
Home Parish: St. Mary’s Catholic Center, College Station
Seminary: Pontifical North American College – Rome, IT
Level of Formation: Configuration II
Patron Saints: St. Augustine; St. Francis de Sales; St. St. Cecilia
Random Fact: I am in a seminarian band called the Chapel Crows, and we released an album – check us out!
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: Although a cradle Catholic, I did not practice the faith with fervor until high school and into college. My younger years were marked by a constant struggle between a life fully alive in Christ and one rooted in the world. While studying at Texas A&M, I was introduced to the impact that a faith-filled community can have on one’s life and vocational discernment, and at the Catholic Center, I discerned a vocation to the priesthood. I am now in my fourth year of priestly formation, and yet still in awe that Jesus wants to share with me the gift of His sacred Priesthood.

Michael Snyder

Birthday: January 16
Home Parish: St. William Round Rock
Seminary: Pontifical North American College
Level of Formation: Configuration II
Patron Saints: Pope St. John Paul II, St. Therese of Lisieux, Blessed Solanus Casey, Our Lady of Guadalupe
Random Fact: I enjoy musical theater and plays
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: From when I was a little kid I remember thinking of the priesthood as something very attractive, and I remember telling people that I wanted to be a priest. As I was entering high school, however, this began to scare me and I rejected the idea that I would be a priest. The Lord was good and slowly continued to win my heart and to show me that He wanted something far greater for me than I did. After a semester at Texas A&M University, the Lord made it very clear that He wanted me to follow Him into seminary, and I trusted Him enough to apply. I got accepted in May of 2022 and it has been the best adventure of my life ever since.

Jorge Caloca-Terán

Birthday: November 30
Home Parish: St. Anthony Marie de Claret Parish, Kyle
Seminary: St. Mary’s Seminary – Houston, TX
Level of Formation: Configuration I
Patron Saint: St. John Paul II
Random Fact: Before joining the seminary, I worked for more than 10 years as a tax lawyer.
College: California Western School of Law
Vocation Story: It has been a long but constant process of experiencing the love of God in my own life, and in the life of others. Everything starting praying the rosary, and little by little He gained my heart.

Jack Pitre

Birthday: December 15
Home Parish: St. Thomas More, Austin
Seminary: Pontifical North American College – Rome, IT
Level of Formation: Configuration I
Patron Saints: Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Joseph, St. Michael the Archangel
Random Fact: I am consecrated to Our Lady of Guadalupe, and God-willing I will be ordained during her 500-year anniversary!
College: Benedictine College
Vocation Story: I fell in love with Jesus in high school through LifeTeen and the sacrament of Reconciliation. The more I prayed and the deeper my Catholic friendships became, the more I desired to give my whole life to the Lord. It soon became apparent that Jesus was asking me to be His priest, so I said yes with the entirety of my heart.

Matthew Perez

Birthday: November 1
Home Parish: St. Vincent de Paul, Austin
Seminary: St. Mary’s Seminary – Houston, TX
Level of Formation: Configuration I
Patron Saints: Sts. Padre Pio, Catherine of Siena, John Vianney & Matthew
Random Fact: In my free time I like playing the cello and building LEGO!
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: Howdy, my name is Matthew Perez. Originally from Sugar Land, TX and raised in a devout Catholic family, I graduated from Texas A&M in December 2022 with a degree in Civil Engineering. It was in my junior year at A&M that I experienced what I can only describe as a supernatural calling to the priesthood which came in the form of a vision. Since then, I have found a new home here in the Diocese of Austin and am going into my third year of seminary. I look forward to growing in my formation and becoming the person God meant for me to be!

David Nelle

Birthday: June 19
Home Parish: St. Mary’s Catholic Center, College Station
Seminary: St. Mary’s Seminary – Houston, TX
Level of Formation: Configuration I
Patron Saint: St. Francis of Assisi
Random Fact: I was one of the servers for a Eucharistic procession that sailed for two days down the Mississippi, which carried the Blessed Sacrament in a 14 foot tall monstrance.
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: I grew up Catholic, but never seriously considered priesthood until I was in college. While I was at A&M studying engineering, I began to get a sense in prayer that the Lord might be calling me to the priesthood, and I began to take discerning my vocation seriously. A few years after graduating, and after lots of prayer, I had a particularly grace-filled encounter with the Lord in the Blessed Sacrament while on a retreat, which lead me to finally commit to giving myself to Him by entering into priestly formation.

Diego Estrada Dávila

Birthday: June 25
Home Parish: St. Elizabeth Parish, Pflugerville
Seminary: St. Mary’s Seminary – Houston
Level of Formation: Configuration I
Patron Saint: St. Teresa of Ávila and St. Therese of Lisieux
Random Fact: I read a lot! +40 books a year!
Vocation Story: The LORD has stolen my heart and there’s no going back! He is sharing his Shepherd’s Heart with me to love and minister to his flock! Like Peter, I say over and ‘over again’: Where else could I go LORD? There’s no other option. To give Him everything, even if it hurts.

Kyle Lennox

Birthday: August 5
Home Parish: St. Mary’s Catholic Center, College Station
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saint: Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Joseph of Cupertino, Saint Joseph Terror of Demons, Saint Mary, and Saint Raphael
Random Fact: I like to shoot Trap and Skeet on my days off.
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: My vocation story started when I was attending Texas A&M university. I was in my room about to go to sleep when I had an urge to look in the mirror. When I walked up to my mirror I saw myself in a cassock and collar. I received a sense of peace looking upon this from the Lord. Now I follow where the Lord takes me.

Cole Schultze

Birthday: April 5
Home Parish: Our Lady of Wisdom, San Marcos
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saints: St. John the Apostle, St. Andrew, Bl. Stanley Rother, St. Thomas Aquinas, & St. Michael the Archangel
Random Fact: I can play guitar, drums, bass, and the piano, but not all at the same time.
College: Texas State University
Vocation Story: My family and I converted to the Catholic faith when I was six years old, but I sadly stopped attending Mass once I was confirmed. I was protestant for several years attending different denominations, until I got plugged into the university parish in San Marcos once I started attending Texas State University. It was there that I began to see the beauty and fullness of the Catholic faith. I heard God’s call to the priesthood one day after adoration when I was helping set up for Mass. Since then, my life has been a transformative adventure with our Lord!

Josh Wales

Birthday: August 22
Home Parish: St. Mary’s Catholic Center, College Station
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saints: Sts. Sebastian, Francis Cabrini, Augustine, Philomena and Catherine of Siena
Random Fact: The nicest bridge I’ve slept on is the Ponte Sant’Angelo.
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: I’m humbled to receive how God has pursued me through jobs, relationships, adventures, and even other ministry work, and still has more for my life. A dear friend of mine gave my name at a “Called by Name” Sunday mass, and that began my new journey of discernment. Though she recently passed away into eternal life, God blessed me through her to allow me to receive this gift of being totally His, and to see His Goodness and Love at work in and through each one of us.
“They that hope in the LORD will renew their strength, they will soar on eagles’ wings; They will run and not grow weary, walk and not grow faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

Brian McCutchon

Birthday: January 16
Home Parish: St. Mary Cathedral, Austin
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saint: St. Thomas More and Our Lady of Guadalupe
Random Fact: I enjoy woodworking.
College: The University of Dallas
Vocation Story: I was raised Catholic, and thought about the priesthood when I was young, but never seriously discerned my vocation. That changed when I started Discernment 180. I realized I had a desire to learn and teach the faith that is proper to a priest. I tentatively said “yes” to God and found that I was at peace. As I continued in my discernment, God gave me more reasons to want to be a priest.

Luke McClure

Birthday: September 17
Home Parish: St. Thomas Aquinas Parish, College Station
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saints: St. Denis of Paris, St. Pope John Paul II
Random Fact: I played college football.
Vocation Story: I am a cradle Catholic and went to Catholic school 1st-12th grade but never considered the priesthood. I personally committed to my faith in college but still never thought that the priesthood was an option. After college I moved back to College Station and worked at a civil engineering/land surveying company for about five years and it was at this time that I began to feel called to the priesthood. However, I ran from the call for about three years, I liked my job and wanted to get married and have a family. Finally after three years of running, I received clarity in my heart after a confession in January 2023 and started discerning shortly after that. This year, I begin my third year of priestly formation and I ask that you please pray for me and for my brother seminarians as we try to do God’s Will. God bless you!

Qui Ton

Birthday: September 25
Home Parish: St. Mary Cathedral, Austin
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saints: Saint John Chrysostom and Saints Peter and Paul
Random Fact: I have eaten at Canes probably 300 times.
College: The University of Texas
Vocation Story: While living as a young adult, I served in ministry and developed a love for helping others and receiving help myself in walking towards Christ. I was eventually approached by our vocation director to discern through the Discernment 180 program. After strong initial resistance, my heart was gradually opened to the wonderful possibilities for which God prepared for me, including the priesthood, of which I grew in understanding and appreciation. I saw how the Lord might be calling me to love, not only one person in marriage, but all people, just He loved all people in His life and on the Cross. I am filled with joy in being able to discern the priesthood and to flourish into the man I was made to be.

Emiliano Diaz Gonzalez

Birthday: November 28
Home Parish: St. Mary’s Catholic Center, College Station
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saint: St. Therese of Lisieux
Random Fact: I was born in Cancun.
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: Before 2022, the thought of the priesthood had never crossed my mind. However, that changed on July 5th of that year. While visiting the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe, I saw a cassocked priest walk by, and the thought “that could be you” sprang into my mind. I expected this idea to fade, but it persisted. Friends, family members, and coworkers even asked if I had ever considered becoming a priest throughout the next year. By August 2023, I was on the verge of giving up on the idea of applying to enter the seminary. However, I had the privilege of going on a pilgrimage to Rome a few days later. During evening prayer there, I felt the calling and knew at that moment I had to surrender my will to God.

Josiah Virnig

Birthday: December 19
Home Parish: St. Peter’s Catholic Student Center, Waco
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saints: St Therese, St. JPII, St. Joseph Terror of Demons, Our Lady of Fatima, St. Thomas Aquinas
Random Fact: I have lived in seven different states.
College: Baylor University
Vocation Story: Growing up, the priesthood had been present on my mind and I discerned it in early college, but I thought it wasn’t for me. At Baylor, I dove into ministry especially through FOCUS, planning to be a missionary, and I dated a girl I thought I would marry. Then, while helping lead a group of students out to Rome, I heard a very direct call to lay down my life for Christ in the priesthood as the Lord revealed my heart more to myself. Though it has been very difficult, I followed him and am learning to love more with his heart. Please pray for me!

Casey Dworaczyk

Birthday: March 5
Home Parish: St. Anthony Marie De Claret Parish, Kyle
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saints: St. Therese of Lisieux, Pope St. John Paul II, St. Padre Pio, St. John of the Cross, Our Lady
Random Fact: I have a twin brother. We were born a minute apart!
College: Texas State University
Vocation Story: After graduating from college, I began to take my faith life more seriously. One night, I was in silent prayer, and I heard very clearly from God that I should “consider the priesthood”. I prayed for God to help me to want what He wants, and after meeting with my vocation director, it was clear that the next step was to apply to the seminary.

Doye Baker

Birthday: January 29
Home Parish: Christ the King Parish, Belton
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saint: The Holy Family, Bl. William Dean, Sts. John Paul II, Francesca Saveria Cabrini, Francis De Sales
Random Fact: When I was in elementary school, my family’s pet turtle escaped.
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: From the time I was little, I remember having the desire to be Christ’s priest. However it was not til my time at Texas A&M that I started to seriously consider this vocation. Through learning to love the Triune God through the Liturgy, personal prayer, and Mary, I believe the Holy Spirit has brought me here.

Javier Perez

Birthday: December 16
Home Parish: University Catholic Center, Austin
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saints: Our Lady of Sorrows, St. Faustina, St. Francis Xavier, St. Joseph, St. Paul
Random Fact: I’ve never ridden a horse, but I have ridden a dolphin!
College: The University of Texas
Vocation Story: I was blessed to receive 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 through prayer, and learning from the positive example of various male role models I had met during college, I began to consider whether the Lord might be calling me to the priesthood. Through lots of prayer, patience, and perseverance, the Lord gently extended to me the invitation to follow after Him and apply to seminary.

Alex Lopez

Birthday: February 1
Home Parish: San Francisco Javier, Austin
Seminary: Seminario Hispano de Santa Maria de Guadalupe – Ciudad de Mexico, MX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saint: San Pio de Pietrelcina
Random Fact: I like to play soccer and visit new places.
Vocation Story: During high school, I attended a youth group at my home parish in El Salvador that allowed me to interact with our pastor, who inspired me. I was inspired by the life and example of that holy priest and wanted to be like him. At the age of 18 I went to Texas to work and stopped going to church. After a while, I started attending church and the desire to become a priest felt strong. I went to a Heart of Jesus retreat and after that, I felt more confident to continue discerning my vocation in the seminary. I am starting my second year of philosophy. I’m grateful for this time in seminary.

Juan Pablo Basualdo

Birthday: March 7
Home Parish: St. William Parish, Round Rock
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship III
Patron Saints: Our Lady, St. Joseph, St. Thomas More, St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Therese of Lisieux
Random Fact: I summited a mountain in Durango, Colorado.
College: The University of Texas
Vocation Story: As my relationship with Christ and with Our Lady has grown, I’ve had a growing desire to radically give my life over to God. Through the joyful example of so many mentors during my high school and college years, I received the courage to apply to seminary. In my first year of seminary, the Lord brought clarity through joys and trials to follow the diocesan priesthood rather than religious life. Although it wasn’t the case before, now not only do I believe that God wants the priesthood for me but I want the priesthood as well. Let us trust our loving God who transforms minds and hearts!

Francis Boyle

Birthday: April 11
Home Parish: St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship III
Patron Saints: St. Augustine, St. Francis of Assisi, St. Michael the Archangel, Bl. Fulton Sheen, and St.Thérèse of Lisieux
Random Fact: I ran around an entire country in less than twenty minutes!
College: Baylor University
Vocation Story: As part of the discernment program at St. Peter Catholic Student Center, I completed D180. There were times in the discernment process when I felt attracted to administering the sacraments and there were times when I felt attracted to marriage. Considering that marriage is the natural vocation that everyone is called to, it makes sense to me that I feel attracted to marriage. Furthermore, the priesthood is a supernatural vocation that leaves an indelible mark on one’s soul at their ordination. Seeing the fruit that priests like Fr. Finch bear by their ministry makes it hard to pass up. Though becoming a priest requires significant sacrifice, I know God wants the best for all his children – including me. I know that living my true vocation will bring the most fulfillment on this side of heaven.

Patrick Boyle

Birthday: April 11
Home Parish: St. Peter Catholic Student Center, Waco
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship III
Patron Saints: St. Francis de Sales & St. Thomas Aquinas
Random Fact: My twin brother is a seminarian!
College: Baylor University
Vocation Story: Years ago, by God’s grace, I grew increasingly dissatisfied with my spiritual life. The vibrant and attractive faith of the saints that I had heard about in my youth was not taking root in me. Eventually, this inner turmoil came to a head, and I began researching the Catholic faith more deeply. In time, I started attending daily Mass and going to Confession more regularly. As my relationship with God deepened, I began to sense a growing desire to become His priest. The more I prayed and experienced moments of peace, the stronger this desire became, and the call to serve the people of God as a priest continued to well up in my heart.

Erick Herrera-Valentinez

Birthday: January 12
Home Parish: St. Mary’s Cathedral, Austin
Seminary: Seminario Hispano de Santa Maria de Guadalupe – Ciudad de Mexico, MX
Level of Formation: Discipleship III
Patron Saints: St. Charles Borromeo, St. John of the Cross, St. John Bosco, St. Peter, St. Padre Pio
Random Fact: Since I was a kid I loved soccer and played as a forward. My 3 favorite teams: Liverpool(Eng), Barcelona(Spa), and Toluca (Mx).
Vocation Story: I was born in Zacatecas, Mexico and immigrated with my parents to Austin when I was 3 years old. As a teenager my biggest desire was always to make my parents proud and somehow repay them for their sacrifice of providing a better life for me; one way I could make this happen (I thought) was to attend college as a student-athlete (Perfect!). At the peak of deciding which college to commit to, The Good Lord, in His Infinite Mercy, called me (out of nowhere!) to **leave everything behind and follow him.** Afraid and confused, I offered my will to the Will of the Father and prayed that He do with me whatever He wills. After that moment, my life changed completely; I started living the catholic faith, got confirmed by Bishop Joe, discerned and applied for seminary, and the voice of Christ continues to resound in the depths of my heart:  If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

Coll Drake

Birthday: October 28
Home Parish: Emmaus Catholic Church
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary
Level of Formation: Discipleship I
Patron Saint: St. Joan of Arc
Random Fact: I am a convert to the Catholic Faith.
Vocation Story: I was raised as a lifelong atheist, but conveyed and was baptized at the age of 24. With great joy I faithfully lived my life as a follower of Christ when I heard the call to the priesthood. From that moment onward I have followed the Lord’s call for my life in absolute abandonment to His providence.

Thomas Bennett

Birthday: July 18
Home Parish: St. Mary’s Parish, Temple
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship I
Patron Saint: St. Thérèse of Lisieux, St. Padre Pio, St. Thomas More
Random Fact: My older brother and I used to hunt squirrels in our backyard with an air rifle from the second story of our playhouse.
College: Franciscan University
Vocation Story: I grew up Catholic and have felt a call to the priesthood since I can remember, but the reality of it seemed far away and almost u real until my first year of college at Franciscan University. Being surrounded by people aspiring to seek and live out their vocations with zeal and courage into inspired me to respond to my own vocation. I decided to pursue Christ by applying to seminary.

John Paul Peña-Watson

Birthday: June 2
Home Parish: St. Thomas More
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship III
Patron Saints: St. Anthony, St. Pope John Paul II, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Thomas More
Random Fact: I have several creative writing projects, mostly in the genre of fantasy.
College: Thomas More College of the Liberal Arts
Vocation Story: While in Adoration I read both Fulton Sheen’s book “A Priest Is Not His Own,” and Fr. Brett Brennan’s “To Save A Thousand Souls,” and both books played a heavy role in my vocation. In particular it was the idea of service to God’s people that appealed to me the most, and the participation in the mystery of the Mass that called to me. Additionally, the memory and example of Fr. Michael O’Connor served as a large motivation to me.

Kieran Farris

Birthday: July 4
Home Parish: St. Mary Cathedral, Austin
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship III
Patron Saints: St. Andrew & St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Random Fact: I enjoy reading books about theology and history, spending time with people close to me, and also enjoy playing some video games from time to time.
College: Norwich University
Vocation Story: I was at a school Mass at my University when I felt a strong tug towards the priest during the elevation of the Eucharist. For the next few months I dismissed it as a young man fantasizing about how cool that looked, however, the feeling become stronger and stronger. One day I talked to my school chaplain and after some prayer and guidance from him I started to talk with Fr. Greg and after a year on mission I felt like the Lord was calling me to the seminary so I applied and was accepted.

Julian Salas

Birthday: February 4th
Home Parish: Marian Shrine of Our Lady of Schoenstatt, Austin
Seminary: St. Mary’s Seminary – Houston, TX
Level of Formation: Discipleship IV
Patron Saint: St. Ignatius of Loyola, St. Antonio de Padua, St. Joan of Arc, St. Perpetua, St. Bartholomew Apostle
Random Fact: I love art, especially film and animation. I can easily talk someone’s ear off about Japanese anime and the visual language in direction and cinematography.
Vocation Story: I heard the call during a time of returning to the church in high school. I was dedicated to serving my community in various ways and felt that this could be a pillar on which to dedicate my life. At UT Austin I found my spiritual home not only at the Catholic Center but also in the Marian Schoenstatt Shrine. I decided to enter formation with the Schoenstatt Fathers, yet felt my call was more directed to serve the community I’ve come to love in Austin. I’m open to wherever God calls me: I’ve followed him from one side of the world to another, and am ready to serve this community with love and dedication.

Patrick Rosas

Birthday: March 16th
Home Parish: St. Helen’s Parish, Georgetown
Seminary: St. John’s Seminary – Camarillo, CA
Level of Formation: Propaedeutic
Patron Saints: St. Patrick and St. Ambrose
Random Fact: I used to referee soccer, including at the collegiate and professional levels.
College: Carnegie Mellon University
Vocation Story: A few years ago after going to confession I felt God was asking me to be open again to His call for my vocation. I started learning more about different vocations, connected with the Vocation
Director, and began meeting with a spiritual director. During this time I also started attending daily Mass regularly, spending more time in prayer, participating in retreats and vocation events, and working at my parish. This period of discernment has allowed me to grow immensely, as well as to gain a better understanding of my identity as a beloved son of God. Through this discernment I have been able to hear God’s call during Masses to lay down my life and administer the sacraments serving the Church as His priest.

Robert Sanchez Millan

Birthday: October 9th
Home Parish: St. Mary of the Assumption Parish, Taylor
Seminary: St. John’s Seminary – Camarillo, CA
Level of Formation: Propaedeutic
Patron Saints: St. Faustina Kowalska
Random Fact: I grew up in Colombia and lived there until I was 19 years old.
College: University of Houston
Vocation Story: The Lord called me in a dream. I began to attend mass after 15 years away. The desire to become a priest grew within me with every retreat, discernment event and spiritual direction.

Michael Stephenson

Birthday: November 6th
Home Parish: St. Mary’s Catholic Center, College Station
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Propaedeutic
Patron Saints: St. Aloysius of Gonzaga, St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Augustine, St. Therese of Lisieux
Random Fact: I have lived in 6 countries.
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: My senior year of college, I found the D180 book by Fr. Greg, and decided to commit 180 days to discern my vocation. As the 180 days turned into over a year, I felt stuck, unwilling to take any step. When I finally decided to take a step toward a girl, the Lord made it clear that He was not calling me there and instead invited me to take a step toward seminary. As I continued taking steps, the Lord kept inviting me forward, and so I continue stepping, trying to go where He leads.

Zachary Miller

Birthday: March 20th
Home Parish: St. Mary’s Student Center – College Station
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Propaedeutic
Patron Saints: St Luke the Evangelist, St Pius V, St Gregory the Great, St Cecilia
Random Fact: I speak Japanese and have climbed Mt Fuji!
College: Texas A&M University
Vocation Story: Growing up, I would always joke that “if all else fails, I can always become a priest or a monk!” Following a meteoric reversion to active practice of the Catholic faith in my junior year of college (thanks, Carl and Connor!) and a realization that my studies were taking me nowhere fast, that joke began to feel real for the first time. I agonized over what God was calling me to in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament for over a year, and on the other end I decided I had no choice but to answer the call.

James Foley

Birthday: June 1st
Home Parish: St. Peter’s Catholic Student Center, Waco
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Propaedeutic
Patron Saints: St. John Vianney and St. Augustine
Random Fact: I love almost any kind of creative project, including woodworking, graphic design, or writing music!
College: Baylor University
Vocation Story: I was raised in a deeply Catholic family that formed my love of the Faith from a young age. At Baylor, I found a remarkably joyful Catholic community at St. Peter Catholic Student Center, and I became deeply involved in campus ministry, serving as an intern for St. Peter’s and as President of Baylor’s Catholic Student Association. Through daily Mass and Adoration, liturgical service, student leadership, and the inspiration of so many wonderful people, I found a profound joy in giving myself to the needs of others and the Church. Gradually, the idea of priesthood opened up to me, and I hope now in seminary to grow in understanding of how God desires me to serve Him with my life!

David Keener

Birthday: October 27th
Home Parish: St. Louis King of France, Austin
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Propaedeutic
Patron Saints: St. Catherine of Siena, St. Dominic, St. Mary Magdalene, St.Thérèse of Lisieux, St. John-Paul II
Random Fact: I’m a convert to the faith!
College: Austin Community College
Vocation Story: After being baptized as a baby with the Methodists, I had drifted away from faith for most of my life. When I began to feel the call to the Catholic Church, I was deeply moved by the Priests I met. Particularly in the Mass and the Confessional, I was continually inspired by the encounters with God I experienced through them. I found myself wanting to follow in their footsteps, and the idea of being a Priest kept appearing in prayer. After multiple vocation retreats, a nine-month mission trip, and careful discernment, I’m looking forward to following this calling and enter Seminary.

Brent Cabote

Birthday: July 14th
Home Parish: St. Peter’s Catholic Student Center, Waco
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Propaedeutic
Patron Saints: St. Philip Neri, St. Therese of Lisieux, St. Ephrem the Syrian, St. Bernadette, and St. Moses the Black
Random Fact: I sang in the real life version of the NYC Pitch Perfect competition.
College: Baylor University
Vocation Story: I attended Baylor after graduating high school, and began getting involved with St. Peter Catholic Student Center. I began a period of vocational discernment using D180. I had a transformative encounter with Jesus in the Eucharist at a discernment retreat which ultimately led me to ask for the application to seminary! So many graces have led me to this point, so all I can do is follow Him!

Hayden Bolbock

Birthday: November 12th
Home Parish: St. Martin de Porres, Dripping Springs
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Propaedeutic
Patron Saints: Blessed Vladimir Ghika, St. Josaphat Kuntsevych, St. Jean Vianney
Random Fact: I grew up on my family’s ranch raising bison and many other animals.
College: Baylor University
Vocation Story: Although I had fallen away from the faith for many years, I decided to return to the Church when I was in my senior year of high school. I was particularly inspired and won over by the writings of the Church Fathers and other saints. Once I started my undergrad at Baylor University, I received confirmation and soon began to feel the Lord’s call to serve the Church in a way I never had before, specifically the call to the priesthood.

Michael Clements

Birthday: June 28th
Home Parish: St. Peter’s Catholic Student Center, Waco
Seminary: Holy Trinity Seminary – Irving, TX
Level of Formation: Propaedeutic
Patron Saints: Saint Louis De Montfort
Random Fact: I love to watch sports in my free time, and my favorite is college football
College: Baylor University
Vocation Story: I was raised Catholic and attended Mass every week. Despite this I was never the most devout Catholic. However, when I attended an Easter Vigil Mass in 2025 a newfound interest in my faith was ignited. I started to do more research on the faith and it all clicked. when I got to Baylor University I got very involved with the student center and joined a discernment program called D180. Whenever I saw our priest distribute the sacraments I could not ignore the thought of what a blessing it must be to bring the sacraments to Christ’s people. Finally, when on a discernment retreat I was praying in front of an icon of Christ the High Priest and knew I had to apply to seminary.