Deacon Ben Schoonmaker

Parish: St. Mary, Rock Island

Birthdate: April 27

Seminary: Mundelein Seminary: Entered 2017, Class of 2025

Why did you become a seminarian?
Every time I would pray in silence, my heart would be set on fire with the thought of priesthood. Watching priests bring Jesus Christ’s love and mercy to His people, especially through the sacraments, continued to grow this desire. But I still put it off as something I didn’t want to do. With the help of events like Emmaus Days, Totus Tuus and a local youth group, I started praying more. As I prayed more, I could no longer set aside this desire. I knew I had to enter seminary to discern if this was God’s will. 

What did you do before seminary?
I was homeschooled through high school and worked at St. Giuseppes, a local pizza place. 

An interesting fact about you:
I have a black belt in Shorinji Kempo and enjoy roasting coffee.