Seminarian Says 'My Family Has Been A Rock For Me Through This Process'

Clint Evrard
Philosophy I
St. Meinrad Seminary and School of Theology
Home Parish: Our Lady of Hope, Washington

Education and Formation

What schools or institutions have been part of your education?

I’m beginning seminary this year at St. Meinrad. I went to Barr-Reeve grade school/middle school, Washington Catholic High School and Indiana State University for my bachelor’s degree

What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination?

I don’t have any expectations of what I will learn in seminary. I only expect that I will learn what the Church needs me to learn to become a good priest.

Your Vocation

Who or what affirms you as a seminarian?

I have been affirmed in my calling by many people. My parish is really supportive of me and has been so loving through this process. My pastor is always supportive. Mostly, though, I would have to say that my family has been a rock for me through this process, and a microcosm of this is my mother who is, and always has been, my biggest support. But let’s not forget Jesus Christ as the reason for all of this.

What area of priestly ministry is most attractive to you?

I am deeply inspired by the philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine and Pope Benedict XVI. I am also a huge fan of Pope John Paul II and St. Pio, which involves a dedication to apostolic ministries and deep Eucharistic adoration.

Your Future

What are your thoughts on the importance of preaching?

Preaching is of the utmost importance and should be handled with care. Through preaching a pastor teaches the people about scripture and Catholic values. The final intent of all preaching should be to bring people closer to Christ.

How do you view the role of technology in your ministry?

I think technology is huge for ministry. From the ability to more efficiently administer a parish to programs such as social media. In today’s world, a priest’s sermons and words can reach thousands of people within minutes.

What is the role of the priest in supporting vocations?

A priest should be ever vigilant about people in his parish that may feel they have a vocation. Many vocations, if not nurtured like an infant, will wither and die.

What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?

First and foremost a priest should have an all-encompassing devotion to the Holy Eucharist, and through it, Christ’s Paschal Mystery. A priest should be sacramentally-minded and -driven. A priest should possess and display great love and humility in his dealings with people and the world. He should be mindful of the needs of the Church and see that they are always first in his mind.