Seminarian Profile:
John Steffen

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you are becoming a priest?
I am a convert to the faith, so initially my family responded to my decisions to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church and then to apply to seminary with a measure of curiosity and wonder. I have been blessed with parents, siblings, and in-laws whose love comes free of contingencies, though, and it is great to hear my parents say they are proud of what I am doing, to know my sister prays for my success daily, and to be the recipient of my brothers sacrificial generosity.

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?
The seminary I attend has adequate facilities for all the activities I enjoy: woods for hiking, an in-door pool for swimming laps, weight-lifting equipment, pianos, and comfortable lounges to hang out and chat with my seminarian brothers.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?
Before entering seminary I practiced law in a small civil firm in central Illinois. If I were not in seminary, I would likely return to the practice of law, but regardless of my profession, I would strive to serve the Church as zealously as possible.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?
I have one older sister and one younger brother.

What is your favorite TV program?
I rarely watch television so I can't say I follow any regularly scheduled programs, but from time to time I enjoy watching the History and Discovery Channels, and EWTN. I especially enjoy Marcus Grodi's program entitled "The Journey Home."

Who is your favorite singer or music group?
I enjoy listening to movie soundtracks because the tracks are atmospheric and usually offer greater musical variety than solo or group album repertoires. Maurice Jarre writes some amazing stuff, and I particularly like what he composed for the 1980s movie entitled Witness. John Barry has done some nice work, as well. I also enjoy some of the choral liturgical pieces of Rachmaninoff and the simpler arrangements of Fernando Ortega.

Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?
Although I suspect every academic endeavor involves some moments of crushing boredom, I look forward to going to all of my seminary classes each day. The less exciting moments of academic life can't adequately characterize the fullness of the seminary experience because academics are just a smaller part of a much larger whole, and this larger whole is thick with moments of contentment and deliberation.

How is a seminary different from a regular school?
Compared to a regular school, the first difference I noticed when I entered seminary was the greater sense of community and brotherhood that a seminary can offer. In regular schools, there is real possibility for unhealthy competition between and among students for class rankings and accolades, and this can create some distasteful experiences, but in seminary, everyone is genuinely interested in your success.

How often do you see your family?
In addition to holiday breaks throughout the academic year, I see my family about once a month.

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?
Absolutely! Money has never figured prominently into my formula for happiness. At the end of my day, what matters to me is not what I have in my bank account, but whether I loved God and my neighbor.

How often do you pray?
In addition to Holy Mass and the Liturgy of the Hours, I try to make a holy hour each day before the Tabernacle. I also have a devotion to Our Lady, so I am sure to pray at least one rosary each day, and I have found great peace in making the Stations of the Cross and praying the Divine Mercy chaplet.

Who helped you decide to become a priest?
I have been blessed to meet many faithful lay men and women, consecrated religious, and ordained deacons who have inspired and encouraged me to walk as close to Jesus and Our Lady as possible. As for my discernment to the priesthood in particular, there are four priests who consistently impress me with by their joy and selflessness.

When did you decide to study to be a priest? How did you know God was calling you to be a priest?
I was born and raised in the Anabaptist tradition, and as a young boy in Sunday school classes, I remember being fascinated with the story of Moses descending from Mt. Sinai with the Decalogue. After having been in the presence of God, the Scriptures say that Moses' face shined so brightly that the sons of Israel were afraid to look at him. I gathered from the story that having an encounter with God was supposed to do something to you: it was supposed to transform you--and radically so. I had often wondered what Moses' face must have looked like. Years later, as I was just beginning the journey to enter into full communion with the Catholic Church, I remember going to my first Eucharistic Adoration. I wasn't exactly sure what I was supposed to be doing, so I glanced at the habited brothers and sisters surrounding me, and I remembered their faces: their eyes returning the gaze of our Eucharistic Lord. Utter captivation! What was before them was as real as what was before Moses because it had radically changed them, and I knew I was in the presence of something great. I also knew at that moment that God was calling me not only to continue my journey into the Church, but to serve Her in the most intimate ways possible.

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?
Going to the altar of God with exceeding joy, and there serving His people.