About Joe
I am a seminarian studying for the priesthood here in the Diocese of Cleveland. This is my seventh year of discernment with the seminary. I attend St. Mary Seminary in Wickliffe, Ohio. The track of seminary formation that I am on is about nine years long: four years of undergraduate studies at Borromeo Seminary and John Carroll University where I got a degree in Philosophy and Catholic Studies, and then five years at St. Mary Seminary, the graduate formation program where I am studying theology and learning pastoral skills.
This year of formation for me is the Pastoral Internship year, where I live and work fulltime here at St. Joe’s parish. The goal of this year is to be immersed in parish life and learn from the parish staff and parishioners alike to grow in my understanding of what parish priesthood is all about.
A big part of my internship is getting a better sense of how a parish runs from the administrative standpoint. One way of doing that will be through participation in different ministries and teaching opportunities at the parish. Another way I will be doing this year during my time here at the parish is by offering reflections on the Scriptures of the Mass, after the homily on seven weekends throughout this academic year.
During my internship, you’ll have the chance to offer your feedback on the activities I’m involved with. You’ll be able to submit your feedback online via the link below. Your feedback can include things like, ‘Joe gave a great reflection at Mass today, and it really connected with me,’ or, ‘I had a hard time understanding Joe when he was giving his talk because he was going too fast,’ or ‘Joe is very warm and welcoming to be around.’ This time here at St. Joe’s is going to be the most intentional and rigorous time for me to learn some of these skills, so I would like to ask you all for straightforward feedback—if I have done well with something please let me know, and if I have not done well with something, or have overlooked something, please let me know. I take all of your feedback and insight very seriously.
I want to thank you ahead of time for the attention and vulnerability that I am asking from you all. I am very grateful to be here at St. Joe’s for this year. St. Joe’s has produced numerous amazing priests over the past number of years, and that is due in large part to the formation that they each received here at the parish from all of you!
Formation Feedback
The Seminary Formation Team would like to gather feedback from parishioners about how Joe is doing and the things we would like to affirm in him, or ways that we see Joe could grow. Please use this link to give your feedback: Formation Feedback Link. Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and observations.