Kevin Vogel
Theology II
My name is Kevin Vogel. I grew up on a farm near Howells, NE as a member of Ss. Peter and Paul parish. I am the second oldest child of Kenneth and Carol Vogel. I have an older sister Therese and three younger siblings Rita, Rachel, and Adam. I attended Howells Community Catholic Schools, Howells High School, and the University of Nebraska at Kearney where I received a BS degree in Physics. When I entered seminary, I studied for two years in the pre-theology program at Conception Seminary College in Conception, Missouri. I am now beginning my second year of theology at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO.
I first became aware that God could be calling me to the priesthood during my junior year of college. I had begun learning more about my faith a year earlier which had moved me into a deeper relationship with Christ. At the same time I was questioning my desire to go into physics research. Seeing that people are made in the image and likeness of God for the first time, the witness of some Carmelite sisters and different priests I met, daily Mass a few times a week, bible study, the rosary, and time in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament led me to decide to meet with the vocation director.
My time in the seminary has been a challenge but a real blessing. The greatest gift I have received is coming to understand myself better in relationship to others and the Father. This is challenging, for I see more of my weaknesses and sinfulness and the call to change my ways and give myself more to others. But this is also a blessing; I am not left alone, but given the grace to experience Christ so personally as to begin to see how he is desiring to live the mysteries of his life in me.
For those who are thinking that God may be calling you to the priesthood, do not be afraid to test the call. I was fearful at first because I did not know absolutely if God's call was for me to be a priest. But then I found that the seminary is a place where those around you aid you to understand how it is that Christ is calling you. You are the Father's beloved son. He desires only for you to know his love. Keep your eyes on the Beloved and he will lead you.
