Seminarians
First Annual Bishop's Golf Classic
The seminary is the place where a man is formed mind, body, and soul into the image of Jesus Christ. Seminaries are places of joy, camaraderie, and deep learning! Today’s seminarians experience the best formation the Catholic Church offers.
Some men enter seminary while still in college and so they attend College Seminary. Once they get a degree, including at least two years of Philosophy study, they can transfer to Theology study, also called Major Seminary.
The Diocese of Youngstown offers priestly formation at the following seminaries:
When a man reaches a certain point in his discernment, if he wants to discover if priesthood is his true vocation, he has to go to seminary.
It should be stressed that entering seminary is a stage of discernment, not a decision to definitely become a priest.
What is it like? A day in the life at Borromeo Seminary
Overview of Applying to Seminary
1. Contact the Vocation Director.
Discernment always happens with the help of the Church. The diocese needs to get to know you better before offering you a seminary application.
2. The application process.
Applying to become a seminarian is a bit like applying to college, but with additional screening components such as background checks and medical and psychological screening.
3. Bishop’s decision.
After a careful review of your file, the bishop makes the final decision on whether an applicant is accepted.
Prayer for Vocations
to be holy servants,
trusting stewards,
faithful shepherds,
and missionary disciples.
Open the ears and hearts of our faithful, especially our young people, to attentively hear, and courageously respond, to your call to service for the Church as priests, deacons, religious, and lay ecclesial ministers. Bless all married couples and single persons and bestow on them the grace to not only be life giving but also to be steadfast supporters of religious vocations for the good of your Church.
May all those who respond to your call come to behold their giftedness and the confidence you place in them to continue the mission of the Church trusting always that it is you who call and you who equip.
We ask this through Christ the Lord. Amen
Please pray for our 2023-24 Seminarians
Deacon William Wainio
From St. Angela Merici, Youngstown
Theology IV
Diaconal Ordination: June 3, 2023
Deacon Kevin Bertleff
From St. Robert Bellarmine Parish, Cortland
Theology IV
Diaconal Ordination: June 3, 2023
Travis Seagraves
From St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Warren
Theology III
Arthur Bodenschatz
From St. Paul, North Canton
Theology II
Daniel LaPolla
From Blessed Sacrament, Warren
Theology I
Craig Ziobert
From Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, Youngstown
Theology I
Donald Bailey
From St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Warren
Pre-Theology II
William Martzaklis
From St. Mary, Massillon
Pre-Theology I
Augustine Drexler
From Divine Mercy, Massillon
College III
Steven Vasko
From St. Charles Borromeo, Boardman
College II
Could God Be Calling You to Seminary?
