Mike Hansen
College III
I am from Saint Jane Frances de Chantal Parish in Randolph, Nebraska. Saint Frances is a small, rural parish with a tight-knit community. When I announced to my parish that I was entering the seminary, I was flooded with support. It is truly comparable to one large family.
I felt the call to the priesthood in my early teen years. As I grew in my spirituality, my call to the priesthood became more evident to me; however I pushed that idea out of my mind, joining the priesthood was not an option. Until my senior year in high school, I had plans to attend a secular college or university, but as I delved deeper into where I wanted my life to go, the idea of entering the seminary continued to call me. As I looked into various universities, going on campus visits, etc, I realized that maybe I should seriously think about entering the seminary, so I contacted the vocations office and applied for the seminary.
I am attending Conception Seminary College, in Conception, Missouri. It is ran by the Benedictine monks of Conception Abbey. I chose this seminary because it was in a rural environment, and while visiting, I felt there was a strong fraternal bond between all the students. Now being in the seminary for two months now, I realize how challenging the seminary can be. The class work is difficult, and my schedule is very busy, but it is manageable. While being here I have witnessed the excellent formation that takes place. From academic formation to spiritual direction and character formation, the seminary forms it's students into wholesome Catholic men, to be Catholic fathers for generations to come.
My advice to any man considering the seminary is to give it a try. In deciding to enter the seminary, the decision is difficult and frightening. One makes a large sacrifice in entering the seminary. However, the seminary offers a great experience. The seminary helps one in discerning their vocation. The formation and discernment of the seminary provides every man who comes the opportunity to better understand God's plan for him
