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.