Patrick Ryan.

I first became connected with the Vocations Office at a retreat in February, 2012. I had no idea what to expect out of seminary, or even if I should join to begin with. But when I met with them, the Office was able to answer all of my questions and I left the meeting having signed up. The Vocations team accompanied me every step of the way for seven years on my road to the priesthood.

Throughout the discernment process, the Office of Vocations provided solid support, always seeking my best interest. They were a reliable source of guidance, answering questions and offering direction. I felt like I had an ally in them, someone who truly cared about my success and well-being. I strongly believe in the leadership and guidance provided by the Office of Vocations and their commitment to helping men discern the call to the priesthood.

When I was a student at UNM, I got to know the Vocation Director for the Archdiocese, and he invited me to attend the yearly vocation discernment retreat which the Office of Vocations sponsored. After that experience, I realized that God wanted me to attend seminary, and although I didn't quite know what that process entailed, the Office of Vocations helped me navigate all the steps of applying as well as providing necessary financial support to attend seminary. Throughout the whole seminary process, the Office of Vocations continued to support me and also arranged my parish assignments and seminarian retreats. I'm grateful for their immense help in bringing me to that joyful day of priestly ordination and for their continued work in helping others walk the path of discernment.I strongly believe in the leadership and guidance provided by the Office of Vocations and their commitment to helping men discern the call to the priesthood.

I remember reaching out to the Vocations Office when I first started applying to seminary. They were very supportive and responsive to my questions as a brand new seminarian and kept me up to date on application requirements, such as sacramental records and other evaluations, so that I could enter seminary in a timely manner. With their help I was able to smoothly transition into seminary life!

When I was progressing in formation, I felt the need to get more experience in a parish in order to discern the call better. I reached out to the Vocations Office to see if they would allow me to do a pastoral year. They were relaxed about the whole thing, not pressuring me one way or another. They just wanted to help me discern what God wanted me to do. I appreciated that very much, and the pastoral year was a fruitful episode in my formation journey.