John Baumgardner

Name: John Baumgardner

Year: College Program, 4th Year

Home Parish: St. John the Evangelist, Greenfield, WI

Teaching Parish: N/A

Ordination Class: Class of 2017

When did you first think about priesthood?

Although I was born and raised in a great Catholic family, I didn't really start living out my faith and making it my own until my freshman year of college at the University of St. Thomas. It was at the same time when I started truly living for others in my daily life, that God placed the thought of priesthood on my heart. Slowly over time, He has drawn me closer to Him and has led me down the path that, God willing, will lead to priesthood. I entered the St. John Vianney College Seminary program in the fall of 2011 and it's been a tremendous blessing to truly step back and better discern God's will for my life.

What has been your favorite part about being in the seminary?

Each morning I am blessed to start my day with a daily Holy Hour of prayer with the Lord, followed by Mass. It's truly a privilege to spend time with the other 135 young men here at St. John Vianney in ways such as praying, hanging out, or playing sports. Some of the best people I've met during my four years of college have been my other seminarian brothers and I'm thankful for their daily witness to me.

What do you like to do in your free time/hobbies/sports, etc.?

In my free time, I enjoy playing sports - you name it, I like. Ultimate frisbee, football, and basketball are pretty popular at the seminary. I also love hanging out and spending time with my brothers in the seminary or with my other friends on campus. Finally, I really enjoy any chance I can get to read or spend some extra time in prayer.