Seminarian Understands Value Of Humility And 'a Good Sense Of Humor'
Gavin Steckler
College Freshman
Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary
Education and Formation
What schools or institutions have been part of your education, and what is next?
I am a freshman at Bishop Simon Bruté Seminary in Indianapolis. I attended Ferdinand Elementary through second grade and was then home-schooled by my mom third through 12th grades. This fall I will be studying Catholic studies as a freshman at Bishop Simon Bruté Seminary. After four years at Bruté I will then hopefully attend four more years at St. Meinrad.
What other formation program or processes have you completed?
I have worked a Bishop Bruté Days Summer camp and I hope to do a lot more through my years in seminary. I also have done TEC (Teens Encounter Christ).
Your Vocation
Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian?
My family and friends, but most especially all those priests who made a living example for me. Most of all to Father Larry Richards for giving the final shove.
What area of priestly ministry is most attractive?
The Sacrament of Reconciliation is the most amazing thing I find in a priest, but the consecration of the host is the greatest thing that a priest can do.
Your Future
Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the importance of preaching?
It should not be, but the difference between a good and bad homily can be the difference between enlarging or shrinking a parish.
What role do you see for technology in assisting with your ministry?
Technology can, if used properly, be of great assistance to a priest. It can allow him to almost be two places at once, and spend more time with the people instead of at the office.
How do you view the role of the priest in supporting vocations?
Priests should support vocations in everything they do. They should provide assistance in discernment, as well as push people toward a religious vocation.
What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
The priest should be extremely humble in serving his parish, but at the same time be decisive and ready to lead. A good sense of humor is also a quality that should not be far from a priest.
