Age: 25
Seminary / Stage of Study: Mundelein Seminary, Illinois- 4th Year Theology
Degrees: BA Philosophy, Franciscan University of Steubenville, Ohio
Work Experience: Boy Scout Camp Counselor/Instructor, Lifeguard, Electrician’s Apprentice, Assistant Groundskeeper, Chaplain Candidate (LTJG) in the U.S. Navy.
Interests: Downhill Skiing, Hiking, Tennis, Water Sports, Mountain Biking, Sacred Music, Reading
Vocation Story:I have always been attracted to the mystery of the priesthood. Even when I was a boy, I saw the priest as a heroic figure who was present at the most important times in people’s lives- baptisms, marriages, funerals, and all the joys and sufferings in between. I have also always been attracted to the life of a husband and father. The most difficult decisions are always between two good things, and this was a decision I couldn’t make on my own. It was a process that required a great deal of prayer, thought, and discussion with some very helpful guides-priests! I spent my time in college discerning whether God was calling me to give my life to Him in a total and radical way, to be an instrument of His love and mercy for the world. After completing my third year of seminary in the Spring of 2009, I was ordained a deacon. This marked a key point in my path to priesthood, as I made solemn promises of prayer, celibacy, and obedience before the Bishop and the Church. It was an experience of great peace and joy. Ministry as a deacon has been life-giving for me, and I am anticipating with great excitement my ordination to the priesthood, God willing, in the summer of 2010. I am constantly amazed at all the ways God is leading me to where He wants me, I’m just trying to hang on! dhammond@usml.edu
