Answering the Call

Supporting seminarians in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City

“I recall first feeling a call to the priesthood at the age of 6,” said seminarian Dominick Denney. “I was serving the Holy Mass at the base chapel, and I remember watching our pastor at the time pray the words of institution over the host, and there came into my mind the thought, ‘I could do that!’”

Stories like Denney’s echo across the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, where 25 men are currently preparing for the priesthood – the highest number in years. Each of these seminarians has heard God’s call and responded with faith, courage, and trust. Their “yes” is a gift not only to God but to the entire Church in western and central Oklahoma.

The road to priesthood is long, often seven to nine years of academic study, spiritual formation and pastoral training. Tuition, housing and specialized programs add up to thousands of dollars every year. While the journey is demanding, seminarians describe it as a deeply rewarding time of growth and joy that prepares them for a lifetime of service.

Denney shared that his summer assignments in parishes have been particularly fulfilling: “During the year, we spend so much time reading, studying and preparing our hearts to serve that in the summers, we actually get to put into practice the things we worked on during the academic year. I want to be the kind of priest who is very involved in the lives of his people.”

For Henry Nguyen, the joy comes in sharing Christ wherever he is sent.

“The most rewarding part of seminary is sharing the Good News, whether it is high school students or people in nursing homes,” Nguyen said. “I love to remind people of the joy, love and mercy that the Lord has for his children. I can’t wait until I can be an Alter Christus – ‘Another Christ’ – as a priest, and be a bridge between God and his people.”

Seminarian Robert Blaschke reflected on how his years of study have transformed his relationship with the Lord.

“Seminary has given me the time, the desire and the ability to not just know the Lord, but to love him,” Blaschke said. “Every day he is waiting, calling me and everyone else to love him. All we have to do is to remember to fall in love, to choose to fall in love; seminary has provided that reminder and encouraged that choice.”

Behind every seminarian’s story is a community of support. Their journey is sustained by the prayers, encouragement and generosity of countless Catholics across the archdiocese.

“My time in seminary has been far from easy,” Denney said, “but this adventure would not be possible without you and your generous support. I have had opportunities to see parts of the world that I never would have seen if it weren’t for your generosity and prayers, and so for giving me this adventure, I say thank you.”

Nguyen added that the encouragement of others sustains him through the challenges of formation.

“Your love, faith and hope in Holy Mother Church give me strength to continue to chase the Lord’s heart,” he said. “This zeal for the Lord inspires me to continue to grow.”

For Blaschke, financial and spiritual support represent a deeper partnership in God’s work.

“God does not need your money, but he does want it. He wants it because he wants you to be a part of his work of saving souls,” he said. “Every baptism, confession and Mass we offer in the future will be made possible in part by you. Please consider becoming an instrument of this amazing work of salvation by making a financial gift to further seminarian education. And if you cannot give, please at least take a moment to pray for us.”

The Archdiocese of Oklahoma City is in a time of renewal for vocations. With 25 men currently in formation, the future looks hopeful, but their commitment is possible only with ongoing generosity.

“Seeing how many seminarians we have this year, it is obvious that the Lord is answering your prayers,” said Denney. “With the number of men to be ordained in the coming years, I humbly ask you to prayerfully consider your continuing generosity so that we can live our vocations of love and service to you and our almighty God.”

Priestly formation is about more than study. It is about preparing men who can walk with God’s people in moments of joy and sorrow, in faith and in doubt. These seminarians are training to be spiritual fathers who will one day celebrate Mass, hear confessions, baptize children and anoint the sick.

Their “yes” is not only to God but to every person they will serve in parishes across Oklahoma.

By supporting the Seminarian Education Appeal, Catholics across the archdiocese have the opportunity to walk alongside these men in their formation. The prayers and gifts allow them to focus on what is most important: growing closer to the Lord and preparing to lead souls to heaven. God has called. They have answered. Together, people can ensure they are ready to serve the Church for generations to come.