The Diocese of St. Cloud has 13 seminarians in priestly formation at five seminaries.
Some men enter the seminary right after graduating from high school or while they are attending their first four years of college. These men enter at the college level, or minor seminary. After graduation, they move on to four years of theology at a major seminary.
Other men discern their calling to the priesthood after they have completed college. These men enter what is called “pre-theology,” usually at a major seminary for two years, and then enter four additional years of theology.
In honor of National Vocation Awareness Week, Nov. 5-11, The Visitor is featuring “snapshots” of the diocese’s newest seminarians, who share something about themselves and their vocational calling.
Kevin Soenneker
Age: 42
Home parish: St. Paul, Sauk Centre
Seminary and year of study: The St. Paul Seminary, St. Paul, Pre-Theology 1
Most loved book or movie: Book: “Diary of Sister Faustina.” Movie: “Scary Movie 2”
Favorite college course so far: With me finishing my undergraduate courses, it would have to be English composition.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life it would be: Pizza
What makes you laugh the most: Perfectly timed sarcastic jokes
Favorite prayer: Divine Mercy Chaplet
Song you would sing at karaoke night: I would need the gift of speaking in tongues before I do that. If I had to though, it would be some song by Boyz II Men.
Top three hobbies or activities: Working out, going to the movies, or just spending time at home.
• Who is your favorite saint and why?
St. Mary, Virgin Mother of God. We don’t always address Mary as “Saint” but to me she is the Saint of all Saints. I ask Mary to intercede for me in all my prayers requests, so that she may bring them to Jesus. Like any child, who can say no to their mom? She possesses all virtues of the Holy Spirit that we may ask for her help with. Mary has really helped me discern my call to the seminary.
• Who has been instrumental in helping form your faith? How?
Definitely my mother, Alice. By showing unconditional love and by living out her Catholic faith, she was absolutely doing her parental duty of being an example of Christ in our home.
• What advice would you give to someone who might be called to a religious vocation?
If you have any questions or are thinking of a religious vocation, I would say just call your diocesan vocation director. Just calling or visiting with them doesn’t mean you have to sign up, but they are well-versed in helping individuals discern what they are going through. I also want to stress God calls in his time. I know we always pray for young boys and girls to seek vocations; I just want to reassure you that if you are a bit older, listen to and ask God where he is calling you.