Deacon Chris Aubrey attended a seminary once. After three years of formation studies, he found that continuing would require a level of financial resources that at the time he just did not have. He went back to the workforce as a mechanic. It was 13 years later, and on the threshold of marriage, that he knew he needed to return to formation and determine God’s true will for him. He is now a Deacon and will soon be ordained a priest in the spring of 2026. As a mechanic, Dcn. Chris was trained to take things apart and put them back together. Would that apply to his vocation, too? To his life’s purpose? Listen to this episode and hear how Dcn. Chris learned that “it’s okay to take some help.” One way he repays that help – fixing the cars of his fellow seminarians! This is a great episode about friendship, transformative moments, and the constant capacity to learn, and learn some more. Dcn. Chris also has great advice for men considering the priesthood. Enjoy this episode and consider your own vocation in life.

Before entering PSJS, Deacon Chris was working in the local Worcester, Massachusetts area doing carpentry, general building and construction and mechanical work. He also owned and operated a small trucking company where he hauled asphalt during the warm seasons and plowed the highway in the winters. Chris learned the automotive trade in high school and went on to specialize in GM vehicles through a college program.

“I worked at a dealership for a few years before discovering that I wanted to learn more about my faith and catholic philosophy… [Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary] is a great place with many diverse personalities and occupations, but the common way of following Christ every day is a great joy shared by all.”

Deacon Paul Landi is a cradle Catholic from the great state of Texas but his road to formation for priesthood was not a straight one. In this episode, Msgr. Bill Fay talks with Deacon Paul about his prior life of service as a firefighter and paramedic in Houston. How did he become a seminarian for the Diocese of Beaumont? What is it like to trade a life of dedicated service helping people in their time of physical need for a new life of service that will encourage people’s spiritual well-being and relationship with God? How do the two lives intersect? Hear about Deacon Paul’s bumpy journey that led him to where he is today. He also addresses a common question often asked by older discerners for priesthood: Is it me that wants this or is it God that wants this? Tune in and be inspired by Deacon Paul’s perseverance. Hear how he now uses his leadership skills from his previous life as a firefighter to impact the seminarian experience and prepare himself and his formation brothers for priesthood.

Paul began his career as a firefighter and paramedic at 20 years old. He has a 27-year-old son, and two stepdaughters, 33 and 27. He retired from The Bellaire Fire Department (near Houston) as a Captain in June 2022, after 31 years of service. Deacon Paul is completing his final year of formation at the Seminary before his ordination to priesthood in the spring of 2026.

What led Deacon John Ippolito of the Archdiocese of New York to a decision to connect with his Vocation Director one January night and awaken the journey that will now lead him to priesthood? He sits down with Msgr. Bill Fay to talk about it being never too late to explore God’s call to priesthood. How can you respond to the “gravitational pull” that you suspect is God guiding you to where He needs you to go and be? Hear Dcn. John explain his decision to investigate the “tug” he could no longer put aside and how that decision has led to a surprising contentment. He also speaks about the strength of the formation program at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary and the leadership skills instilled in seminarians to ensure their preparedness for ministry.

Born and raised in Staten Island, New York, Deacon John worked in the area of rehabilitation before entering PSJS. He worked as both a Rehabilitation Practitioner and a Director of Rehabilitation with experience treating patients who sustained spinal cord injuries and cerebral vascular accidents. He is completing his final year of formation before ordination to priesthood in the spring of 2026.

Have you ever thought the door has closed for you to become a priest even though God is persistent in asking you to consider it? Deacon Stephen Baruffi of the Archdiocese of Boston will tell you the door is open, and it is truly never too late. Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary is a special place of formation just outside of Boston that exists to form mature candidates for priesthood. Listen to this episode and hear about the experiences that Deacon Stephen has had that will undoubtedly complement his next step, ordination to priesthood in 2026. He speaks with podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay about his life in the military, his career, his marriage, and his hobbies. How did practicing Japanese martial arts lead him to the doors of the Seminary to study for diocesan priesthood? This is a great discussion about the many experiences that have shaped Deacon Stephen and helped place him in his current reality. He is in a supportive environment studying to be a diocesan priest where he finds himself with Jesus “changing into the person I was meant to be, not the person I tried to be before.” Learn more about Deacon Stephen in this episode and learn how it’s never too late.

Prior to retirement and entering the Seminary, Deacon Stephen worked as an international legal consultant with a focus on the Asia Pacific and Western European regions. He raised a family and accompanied his late wife on her journey as she transitioned to eternal life. In August, Deacon Stephen will return to finish his final year of formation and is scheduled to be ordained a priest in spring 2026.

This month, Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with Deacon Robert Rooney, a third-year seminarian in formation for the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas. We learn from Deacon Bob about experiences that have shaped his current road to priesthood, like growing up on a farm and his pursuit of a career as a lawyer. What, and who, inspired him to become a priest? Did his interest and participation in outdoor hobbies influence his discernment process? Deacon Bob also shares with us his surprising discovery as a seminarian at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. The men in formation forgo a competitive spirit and instead lift each other up to be their absolute best as they seek to serve God and His Church. Deacon Bob also shares his advice for discerners. Perhaps a visit to the seminary could be in store for you? Find out more when you listen to this next episode.

Before Deacon Bob entered the doors at Pope St. John XXIII, he practiced civil law for thirty years, as a litigator and trial lawyer. He practiced out of Kansas City though the practice was national in scope. Roughly the last 15 years of his career was focused on the defense of cases in the areas of environmental law and toxic tort. Deacon Bob will return to the Seminary in August to complete the formation program. He anticipates his ordination to priesthood in spring 2026.

In this episode, learn about the transition from deacon to priest with one of Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary’s deacons, Deacon Dan Bassile ’26 of the Diocese of Orlando. Deacon Dan talks with podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay about what transpired in his life to inspire him to become a permanent deacon. Then, we learn of that moment he knew that God desired him to move one step over on the altar and become a priest to serve God’s church in a broader capacity. How did friends and family react to Dan’s decision? Msgr. Fay and Deacon Dan also discuss what three elements help someone know, as confirmation, that he/she is on the right path and fulfilling God’s will for his or her life. They also discuss the importance of spiritual direction to help us navigate life decisions. Dcn. Dan then gives us insight into the seminary experience and shares advice for those discerning a call to the priesthood. Tune in for a joyful discussion of one man’s journey from permanent deacon to priest.

Before entering PSJS, Deacon Dan Bassile worked as an elevator mechanic for 39 years, retiring in July 2023. He was actively living out his faith for many years as a Catechist, Eucharistic Minister, Sacristan, and Reader at his local parish. He was Ordained to the Permanent Diaconate on October 3, 2020. Deacon Dan will return to the Seminary in August 2025 to complete the formation program before his ordination to priesthood in spring 2026.

This month’s podcast brings us a conversation with Deacon Sinclair Cushmore of the Diocese of Orlando in Florida. With podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay, we learn about Sinclair’s road to the Seminary and priesthood. Deacon Sinclair honed his skills for leadership and priesthood while working for The Walt Disney Company and then for Rosen Hotels and Resorts before pursuing God’s call. His experiences took him through many diverse roles, giving him a foundation on which to build for ministry. In college, he joined the Newman Center on campus where his Catholic faith deepened. In Florida, his volunteer experiences increased. What does Sinclair mean by a “surrender of the intellect” when questioning teachings in the Catholic Church? There is also discussion about the impact of prison ministry - you will definitely want to hear! To the benefit of many men, Deacon Sinclair offers some advice for discerning a call to priesthood. An enjoyable conversation with Dcn. Sinclair! Tune in, enjoy, and learn a thing or two about one man’s journey to priesthood.

Before he entered the seminary, Deacon Sinclair worked in the hospitality industry, first for Walt Disney World as an intern, and then for Rosen Hotels and Resorts, where he worked mostly at the front desk as an agent, then VIP Concierge and finally as a Front Desk Supervisor. Deacon Sinclair was ordained a Transitional Deacon in the spring of 2025 and will complete his formation for priesthood in spring 2026.

In this episode, Msgr. Bill Fay welcomes two special guests from the Diocese of Brooklyn. Bishop Robert J. Brennan has been serving in his role overseeing the Diocese of Brooklyn since 2021. Rev. Chris Heanue is the Rector-Pastor of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Brooklyn and is an adjunct professor at the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, teaching Parish Governance. Together, they sit with Msgr. Fay and with Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa who is studying for the Diocese of Brooklyn at the Seminary and is preparing to be ordained a priest this spring. They discuss their vocational journeys and how men of all ages can discern a call to the priesthood. Bishop Brennan has been an ardent supporter of the formation program for older men at Pope St. John XXIII. He shares his thoughts on the blessings of those who dedicate themselves to priestly formation for the purpose of imitating Christ and serving His Church.

We are honored to have Bishop Brennan and Fr. Chris spend time with us and give encouragement to men discerning a call to priesthood.

This month Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with third-year seminarian Giris Azize who is in priestly formation for the Archdiocese of Boston. Giris discusses his vocation journey with Msgr. Fay and talks about his life before surrendering to God’s persistent call. A life that included marriage, children, and a successful career in the healthcare industry. For Giris, there have been many joys and there have also been challenges. Through it all, his faith stayed strong. The importance of faith became paramount with each step forward and lead him to listen to God and today pursue the possibility of diocesan priesthood. When you tune in, you will learn a bit of history about the Maronites, learn what Giris does for fun, and understand how performing music became a side job when raising his family. From his unique perspective, what has been most surprising for Giris while attending Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary? Consider the advice he offers as you discern what God is asking you to do in your own journey. You won’t want to miss this devout testimony from Giris.

Before entering the Seminary, Giris worked in the pharmaceutical/medical devices industry for 33 years, most recently with Pfizer Inc. He has managed reps and distributors around the globe and worked in sales and training. At the same time, Giris also started a small photography business, travelling around the world for World Youth Days with Pope Benedict and Pope Francis for Zenith, The Vatican News Agency. He has a family of four children, and four in Heaven.

Giris Azize is working toward his ordination as a deacon, God willing, in spring 2025.

What sustains us as we navigate challenges? What might be the rewarding part of priesthood? Seminarian Clifton Mastran of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia explores answers to these and many other questions in this episode with Msgr. Bill Fay. Clifton starts by sharing his personal vocation journey and why his experience in the secular world will certainly increase his impact as a Roman Catholic priest. Hear about his invitation from Christ, and about the reaction of family and friends to his decision to pursue God’s invitation. “He chooses us,” says Clifton, “and it’s a relationship that grows when you strive to have and maintain a strong prayer life.” You will hear Clifton’s take on the inevitable challenges and adversities that come with accepting the invitation, what they all really mean, and what helps with the highs and lows of the journey. His passion for this work is very evident. If you find yourself discerning an invitation from God, Clifton offers suggestions for exploring your unique calling. Tune in and learn from someone with practical insight gleaned from experiencing an invitation and experiencing seminary formation.

Clifton Mastran grew up in Florida and attended the University of Florida. Before entering Pope St. John XXIII, he had an 18-year career in the Department of Defense, working seven years in Rhode Island and eleven in Washington, D.C. He is scheduled to be ordained a deacon in the spring of 2025.

In this episode, Msgr. Bill Fay talks with Deacon Charles Tupta who is in his fourth year of formation at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. Dcn. Charles is a member of the Rock Hill Oratory in South Carolina. Dcn. Charles walks us briefly through the history of the order founded by St. Philip Neri of Rome. He reveals his own unique path to becoming an Oratory member and his decision to study for the priesthood. What makes this order different from other religious orders? And what makes their work distinctive? St. Philip Neri wanted to reform the Church with joy. How did this draw Dcn. Charles to the order and shape his decision to serve in a broader capacity by becoming a priest? Deacon Charles’ life experiences have taken him from missionary work to the finance industry, to the world of publishing, to running an inn! Throughout all his journeys, hear how Deacon says the most consistent – and most important - theme has been one he calls “encounters,” those experiences with the people we meet that present an opportunity for communion with one another. In his words, “It is these encounters that take us deeper into the reality of life.” Take a few moments to hear Dcn. Charles’ unique journey. Join us in prayer and support for his work in this world to spread joy and to spread God’s love.

Deacon Charles Tupta is originally from Pennsylvania and has also lived in Chicago. He is scheduled to be ordained to the Sacred Priesthood in the spring of 2025.

Deacon John Kim is a Cistercian monk, also known as Trappists, from St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer, Massachusetts. He is in his final year of formation for priesthood at Pope St. John XXIII and he took time to talk with Msgr. Bill Fay about the balance between monastic and seminary life. When he is ordained, Deacon John will serve as a priest for his monastic community and can also help in local parishes. Deacon John was born and raised in South Korea. Not long after college he entered the Trappist monastery. In this episode, hear about what it is to be a monk, and how a focus on working with your hands and on prayer informs all activity at the monastery. What process determines who among the monks will study for priesthood? Deacon John talks about God’s providence, and how it has worked in his life. You won’t want to miss who Deacon John recently met at his Canonical Retreat, and how her example has affected him in a profound way. Additionally, we hear from Deacon John about Seminary life from his unique perspective, and the advice he gives to all those discerning a call to serve God in the priesthood.

Deacon John Kim was born in South Korea to a devout Catholic family. After graduating from college, he taught high school in Korea. Yet, a yearning for God and a desire for deeper meaning tugged at his heart. In response to God’s call, he entered the Trappist monastery of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer and began a new life in answer to the Lord’s invitation.

Deacon Jorge Reyes came to the doors of Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary as a permanent deacon. His faith has always been central to his life. Listen and hear about the road he took that led him to consider priesthood. How did his experience in mechanical engineering help prepare him for ministry in the Church? What did his twin children think of his decision to become a priest? Although he had experience as a permanent deacon, there were still adjustments to be made when he decided upon priesthood. How has he managed those adjustments? Pope St. John XXIII has a very supportive program for permanent deacons whereby each man’s previous experience helps to inform his individual formation program. What is Deacon Jorge’s advice to men who are wondering if they have what it takes to consider priesthood? For one, he suggests staying open to what God is presenting for you to do. As Msgr. Fay also suggests, take stock of your experiences. As you consider a vocation, do you see the fingerprint of God? Deacon Jorge and Msgr. Fay have a simple and heartfelt discussion on this episode that you won’t want to miss.

Deacon Jorge Reyes has been a deacon since 2017. He is a mechanical engineer by trade and worked for over 30 years as a consultant in consulting engineering firms. He has two wonderful, faithful adult children who are twins and of whom he is very proud. He is scheduled, God willing, to be ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 10, 2025.

Deacon Brian Delaney of the Archdiocese of Boston is in his final year of formation at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. He sits down with Msgr. Bill Fay to discuss his personal vocation journey and how he came to understand God’s calling for him. Deacon Brian is a widower and was married 37 years. He has a wonderful daughter and granddaughter. He was very involved in his parish communities as a volunteer. He developed a comfort level being around parish life and that opened in him a desire to serve more. But how? Should he become a permanent deacon? A priest asked him one day, “do you want to be a deacon or a priest?” Brian decided to explore a definitive answer to that question. Hear how the “First Fridays” program at Pope St. John XXIII influenced his decision. During one of these programs, a deeper question was asked of him, “Christ the Servant or Christ the Shepherd?” The answer for Brian clearly came into focus. Hear Brian also discuss with Msgr. Bill Fay topics of work as well as what living in this particular seminary means, what makes it unique. Brian offers advice for those men on the threshold of a decision or who are just starting an exploration of what God is asking them to do. This is a discussion you won’t want to miss.

Brian arrived at Pope St. John XXIII after 40 years in the Defense Field, both in the corporate world and in the US Navy. He retired from Raytheon Missiles and Defense as a Senior Manager, Global Security Services.

Deacon Brian Delaney is scheduled to be ordained a priest in the spring of 2025.

In this episode we meet Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa of the Diocese of Brooklyn in New York. Podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay explores what made Deacon Gerardo discern the priesthood. Gerardo has always lived a life in service to others. He worked in the restaurant industry, as a waiter and server’s assistant…serving many people he encountered daily. There came a time where, for three years, a local priest consistently asked him to consider the priesthood. And each time Gerardo denied the invitation…until the priest kicked him out of his parish! This priest saw something in Gerardo that Gerardo himself did not understand. He doubled down on his Bible readings, heard friends and family also encouraging him. One morning, when he asked the Lord “what do you want me to do?,” the Lord answered him clearly. He was expecting a different answer! Deacon Gerardo tells us of his own surprise at the life of a priest, the JOY he has witnessed and also experiences while he continues his formation at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. He is ready. People have approached him and told him “We need you.” He accepts the challenges and the joys of priesthood and looks forward to his ordination. Tune in for a very honest conversation. And find out, did he ever see that local priest again?

Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in the spring of 2025.

It took some time. Then Deacon Bill Burns recognized that Christ was calling him to a new path, one that would allow Bill to boldly lead people toward Christ.

Deacon Bill Burns sits down with Msgr. Bill Fay this month to talk about his personal discernment journey. Deacon Bill is in formation for the Diocese of Orlando. He knew early on that God was tugging at him, but instead he followed a path to marriage and fatherhood. He stayed close to God by choosing a career that embraced God’s work - religious education, diocesan ministry certification, high school theological instruction, pastoral ministry, and parish administration. He did this for 23 years. God tugged a little more. With the support of family and friends, Bill explored the possibility of the priesthood. When accepted to the Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts - just outside of Boston - Deacon Bill experienced a temporary role reversal with his daughter, who made the road trip with him up the East Coast to “drop him off at school” and then fly back home to Florida. Hear about Bill’s continued strong bond with his daughter, about his life at the Seminary, and about what he has learned along the way. What surprises him the most? What has strengthened his resolve these last few years for his new vocation of becoming a priest? Listen to Deacon Bill’s advice for those thinking about their own journey. Hear why he looks forward to working as a spiritual director, and about his anticipation of his new role gathering people together and leading them toward Christ.

Deacon Bill Burns is scheduled to be ordained a priest in spring 2025.

Deacon Pat Bruen sits down with Msgr. Bill Fay this month to talk about his personal discernment journey and how his priestly vocation blossomed through the faith of his family. Deacon Pat is in formation for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Being raised a cradle Catholic, Pat thought about the possibility of the priesthood as a young altar server. He instead went on to work in the secular world and have his own family, raising three children with his wife for 40 years. Faith has always been a grounding force and most especially when caring for his wife at the time she became sick and passed away. Listen to how the experience as caregiver reawakened Pat’s thoughts of priesthood, elevating the role of service in his life. Hear how the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus pulled him towards thoughts of becoming a priest, about his decision to explore the possibility, and about the support he received in considering taking this path. Deacon Pat also talks about the experience of seminary life, how Boston surprisingly became a second home for him, and what he anticipates in his final year of formation.

Deacon Pat has a technical background and was in the IT field for most of his working life as a salesperson. He also owned his own company processing payroll for small businesses before entering Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. He hopes to be celebrating his ordination to priesthood in spring 2025 with his children and fifteen grandchildren.

Patrick Long, Diocese of Venice in Florida

Deacon Pat Long is currently in formation for the Diocese of Venice in Florida. He took time recently to talk with host Msgr. Bill Fay about what led to Pat’s arrival at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary to embark on formation for priesthood. Like many men at XXIII, Pat thought about being a priest at an early age. However, the road was not a direct line but rather a circuitous one. A steady influence was the consistent witness by his parents and priests to faith and God. Friends were also an important piece of his discernment process. Discussed is the broader definition of family and what it is like being a new deacon in the Church. Pat offers a suggested four-part plan for any man considering his own process. Did his experience tackling – and enjoying - the challenges of water help guide his decision to give his life to God and the Church? Listen and hear of one man’s decision to serve God and, in a humble way, affect the future of the Church with his unique experiences.

Pat grew up a cradle Catholic in Sarasota, Florida and spent most of his business career in Healthcare Marketing. By being involved in various ministries within the Church at different times, as well as his daily reception of the Eucharist, recitation of the Rosary, and regular Spiritual Direction, Pat says God’s call became clear. The Diocese recommended PSJS, and Pat is pleased to be attending a seminary staffed by Diocesan priests, many of whom have served in active parishes.

Deacon Pat Long is scheduled to be ordained a priest in the spring of 2025.

Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with John Williams, a third-year theologian in formation for the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts. John hails from a large family, having grown up just outside the Washington D.C. area in Fairfax County, VA. Growing up, John first experienced a life of service through his family. He carried that lesson with him throughout many experiences in his life. “The cause greater than self” was an underlying foundation for all that John accomplished. While in college John decided to join the United States Marines to hone a discipline and focus that he was not experiencing in college life. He then entered the field of education and teaching where he spent ten years, working with teenagers and navigating the complexities of education during the COVID pandemic. During that period, the slow-down of life, John was influenced by an op-ed written by Pope Francis to dream big and rethink priorities. John buckled down on his prayer life and spiritual direction and things began falling into place. He soon applied for formation studies at Pope St. John XXIII. At the Seminary, his gifts and talents align, and John knows this particular path of service is making him (and will continue to make him) happiest. Tune in to hear John’s advice for discerners looking to follow God’s Call: what steps can lead a man toward a confident yes, and a life of service and happiness?

John Williams worked for a decade in Jesuit high school education. He is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Operation Iraqi Freedom. John holds an M.A. in Philosophical Studies from Mount St. Mary’s University and a B.A. in Social Sciences from Chapman University. He is scheduled to be ordained a priest in 2025.

“I just kept growing deeper in love with God. What did He want from me?”

Deacon Robert Hennekes is a third-year theologian from the Archdiocese of St. Louis, and he sits today with Msgr. Bill Fay. Their discussion takes us around the world! Deacon Bob began a career as a chemical engineer, stepped into engineering software sales for a time, and then became a teacher at St. Dominic High School in O'Fallon, Missouri. What was this journey like for Bob? How did he decide to become a permanent deacon, and then a seminarian studying to dedicate his life to God and His Church? It’s a fun ride, and Bob has enjoyed every stage along the way. Hear about the two places in the world that were the most interesting to him and why. How did he transition from such a well-travelled life to a steadier, quieter one? Bob may tell you God’s service is not all too quiet! What is his greatest and most significant observation of life in formation at Pope St. John XXIII? The formula for permanent deacons is right. Listen to Deacon Bob’s story. Perhaps you might recognize that God is calling you.

Prior to entering the seminary, Deacon Bob had a 33-year career as a Chemical engineer in the oil and gas industry, followed by 8 years of teaching science and engineering at St. Dominic High School in O'Fallon, Missouri. He became a permanent deacon in the St. Louis Archdiocese while teaching at St. Dominic.
“With my level of age and experience, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary is the perfect spot for me. The seminarians here are mature, loving, and ready to serve God. All of us have experience working in the secular world and now share the joy to work in the spiritual world.”