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> Vocation: Calling > Seminarians
James Zick  I am a
28 year old seminarian, studying for the Archdiocese of Regina. This
is my first year at St Joseph's in the Pre-Theology program. Before coming to St Joseph's, I completed most of a French
B. Ed and completed a BA in History at the University of Regina.My path to the seminary is perhaps different than some of the other men here because I entered the Catholic Church later in life. I began the RCIA journey when I was 19 years old and at age 20, I was joyfully received into the Church during the 2001 Easter Vigil. Since then, I often considered whether I might have a vocation to serve the Church as a priest. Though my journey has had a few detours, I am very thankful to be at St Joseph’s Seminary this year. Since arriving at St Joseph's I have been blessed to test my call to the priesthood and to grow as a Catholic in both academic and spiritual formation. The best part of the spiritual formation has been sharing with other men who also want to give their lives to following and serving Jesus Christ; they have been a great inspiration and challenge in helping me to grow in faith. The academic formation has also been excellent. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to study and engage with so many of the great thinkers of history in my philosophy classes, particularly St Thomas Aquinas and St Augustine. Also, my Christology class has been a truly excellent experience in deepening my intellectual and prayer life. As my formation and studies progress I would like to thank everyone who has shown me, and our other seminarians, so much love, support and encouragement, especially by your prayers and faithfulness. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we do our best to serve you all. Andrew Young 
I am a
24 year old seminarian studying for our Archdiocese of Regina on the journey of discerning the call to the priesthood.I was born in Regina and was raised in the farming community of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan. During my formative years I attended the local schools in Assiniboia and learned how to tend the farm with my folks. Our lifestyle on the farm was simple but I gained various practical skills through raising various farm animals, operating and repairing the machinery under the guidance of my parents. In addition, my parents enrolled me in over a decade of music lessons to nurture this talent the Lord had given me. Life on the farm and worshiping with small Catholic communities in south central Saskatchewan rewarded me with a deep love for the land, our people and a passion for serving the Lord from an early age. During my teenage years I was able to develop these “gifts” further by being heavily involved in high school activities and by nurturing the faith my family and community had instilled in me. When the time came to leave home and develop a life of my own, my thoughts and yearnings were ever increasing drawn to the service of the Lord, so I applied to and was accepted to study Philosophy at Campion College at the University of Regina. I spent five great years in this community where I grew under the instruction of the Jesuit community at Campion as well as working with the Campus ministry team. Through these friendships and relationships as well as several others established with many groups in the Regina community, such as CCO and CYA, my sense of community spirit and devotion to the Lord grew. Support from young priests in the diocese also encouraged me to continue on this journey. Currently I am completing my first semester at St. Joseph's Seminary in Edmonton, Alberta. Fellowship and devotion with my brothers, Nonso and James from Regina, and our 34 confrères from various dioceses throughout Canada has helped me to grow and to discover a deeper sense of our vocation and relationship with God. May God bless you all for your continued prayers and support of your seminarians. You are invited to contact and pray for the seminarians as they continue their journey. | |||||||||||||
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