Jack Watt
Birth Date December 7 Parish Location Epiphany, Normal Year entered the Seminary/Class of Entered in 2019, Class of 2025 Studying at Mundelein Seminary Why did you become a seminarian? I became a seminarian because I believe God has called me to be His Priest and I trust in His call. When I was a junior […]
Luke Olson
Birth Date February 20 Parish Location St. Pius X, Rock Island Year entered the Seminary/Class of Entered in 2019, Class of 2027 Studying at Mundelein Seminary Why did you become a seminarian? From a young age I have been intrigued by the priesthood. However, I didn’t have an actual and prominent desire to become a […]
Francis Strong
Birth Date April 1 Parish Location St. Andrew, Fairbury Year entered the Seminary/Class of Entered in 2018, Class of 2025 Studying at Mundelein Seminary Why did you become a seminarian? Ever since I received my First Holy Communion, I had the desire to be a priest. I admired how my pastor went about his priestly […]
Deacon Nicholas Conner
Birth Date April 26 Parish Location Holy Family, Peoria Year entered the Seminary/Class of Entered in 2018, Class of 2024 Studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD Why did you become a seminarian? After graduating from Peoria Notre Dame, I got involved with the Newman Center community at Illinois State University. There I discovered […]
Deacon Jacob Martini
Birth Date June 25 Parish Location St. Patrick, Ottawa Year entered the Seminary/Class of Entered in 2018, Class of 2024 Studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD Why did you become a seminarian? It started when I was in adoration on my senior retreat in high school. Something happened that can only be described […]
Deacon Jack Swoik
Birth Date May 14 Parish Location St. Joseph, Pekin Year entered the Seminary/Class of Entered in 2017, Class of 2024 Studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD Why did you become a seminarian? My interest in the priesthood really took off when I began altar serving in 5th grade. Through this opportunity I was […]
Benjamin Schoonmaker
Birth Date April 27 Parish Location St. Mary, Rock Island Year entered the Seminary/Class of Entered in 2017, Class of 2025 Studying at Mundelein Seminary Why did you become a seminarian? Every time I would pray in silence, my heart would be set on fire with the thought of priesthood. Watching priests bring Jesus Christ’s […]