Richard J. Mendoza
Theology I
Richard Mendoza, a second year college student, was born in Barquisimento, Venezuela, on April 14, 1979. He spent the first 22 years of his life there before coming to the United States. Since the fall of 2001 Richard has been a student at Conception Seminary College at Conception, Missouri. He first entered the Language Culture Church Program (LCC) in order to learn English and is now working on his undergraduate degree.
His adopted parish in the Archdiocese of Omaha is St. Peter's Parish.
When asked about his vocations journey Richard says, "I discovered my call to the seminary, and God willing the priesthood, through my brother. He is a priest and he encouraged me. Through him, I saw what the life of a seminarian and a priest is like and I was attracted to that lifestyle."
When asked about his time at CSC, Mendoza says, "I like Conception Seminary because of the spirituality it has to offer. Here, we truly can feel the peace of God. Also, the atmosphere is very much like a home. We watch out for one another and help one another, like a big family."
To those who are considering the priesthood, Richard says, "I encourage you to answer God's call like I did, and experience seminary life. Give God a chance to work with you on a daily basis. Get to know more about this wonderful gift called the "Priesthood."
Richard concludes by saying, "I thank God every day for all that he has given me."
