Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary

Episode 35: A Surrender of the Intellect | Deacon Sinclair Cushmore, Diocese of Orlando

April 23rd, 2025  |  Season 1  |  15 mins 59 secs

This month’s podcast brings us a conversation with Deacon Sinclair Cushmore of the Diocese of Orlando in Florida. With podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay, we learn about Sinclair’s road to the Seminary and priesthood. Deacon Sinclair honed his skills for leadership and priesthood while working for The Walt Disney Company and then for Rosen Hotels and Resorts before pursuing God’s call. His experiences took him through many diverse roles, giving him a foundation on which to build for ministry. In college, he joined the Newman Center on campus where his Catholic faith deepened. In Florida, his volunteer experiences increased. What does Sinclair mean by a “surrender of the intellect” when questioning teachings in the Catholic Church? There is also discussion about the impact of prison ministry - you will definitely want to hear! To the benefit of many men, Deacon Sinclair offers some advice for discerning a call to priesthood. An enjoyable conversation with Dcn. Sinclair! Tune in, enjoy, and learn a thing or two about one man’s journey to priesthood.

Before he entered the seminary, Deacon Sinclair worked in the hospitality industry, first for Walt Disney World as an intern, and then for Rosen Hotels and Resorts, where he worked mostly at the front desk as an agent, then VIP Concierge and finally as a Front Desk Supervisor. Deacon Sinclair was ordained a Transitional Deacon in the spring of 2025 and will complete his formation for priesthood in spring 2026.

Episode 34: Special Guests from the Diocese of Brooklyn

March 23rd, 2025  |  Season 1  |  32 mins 2 secs

In this episode, Msgr. Bill Fay welcomes two special guests from the Diocese of Brooklyn. Bishop Robert J. Brennan has been serving in his role overseeing the Diocese of Brooklyn since 2021. Rev. Chris Heanue is the Rector-Pastor of the Co-Cathedral of St. Joseph and St. Teresa of Avila Parish in Brooklyn and is an adjunct professor at the Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, teaching Parish Governance. Together, they sit with Msgr. Fay and with Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa who is studying for the Diocese of Brooklyn at the Seminary and is preparing to be ordained a priest this spring. They discuss their vocational journeys and how men of all ages can discern a call to the priesthood. Bishop Brennan has been an ardent supporter of the formation program for older men at Pope St. John XXIII. He shares his thoughts on the blessings of those who dedicate themselves to priestly formation for the purpose of imitating Christ and serving His Church.

We are honored to have Bishop Brennan and Fr. Chris spend time with us and give encouragement to men discerning a call to priesthood.

Episode 33: The Importance of Faith in Life | Giris Azize, Archdiocese of Boston

February 23rd, 2025  |  Season 1  |  18 mins 51 secs

This month Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with third-year seminarian Giris Azize who is in priestly formation for the Archdiocese of Boston. Giris discusses his vocation journey with Msgr. Fay and talks about his life before surrendering to God’s persistent call. A life that included marriage, children, and a successful career in the healthcare industry. For Giris, there have been many joys and there have also been challenges. Through it all, his faith stayed strong. The importance of faith became paramount with each step forward and lead him to listen to God and today pursue the possibility of diocesan priesthood. When you tune in, you will learn a bit of history about the Maronites, learn what Giris does for fun, and understand how performing music became a side job when raising his family. From his unique perspective, what has been most surprising for Giris while attending Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary? Consider the advice he offers as you discern what God is asking you to do in your own journey. You won’t want to miss this devout testimony from Giris.

Before entering the Seminary, Giris worked in the pharmaceutical/medical devices industry for 33 years, most recently with Pfizer Inc. He has managed reps and distributors around the globe and worked in sales and training. At the same time, Giris also started a small photography business, travelling around the world for World Youth Days with Pope Benedict and Pope Francis for Zenith, The Vatican News Agency. He has a family of four children, and four in Heaven.

Giris Azize is working toward his ordination as a deacon, God willing, in spring 2025.

Episode 32: He Chooses Us | Clifton Mastran, Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia

January 23rd, 2025  |  Season 1  |  21 mins 45 secs

What sustains us as we navigate challenges? What might be the rewarding part of priesthood? Seminarian Clifton Mastran of the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston in West Virginia explores answers to these and many other questions in this episode with Msgr. Bill Fay. Clifton starts by sharing his personal vocation journey and why his experience in the secular world will certainly increase his impact as a Roman Catholic priest. Hear about his invitation from Christ, and about the reaction of family and friends to his decision to pursue God’s invitation. “He chooses us,” says Clifton, “and it’s a relationship that grows when you strive to have and maintain a strong prayer life.” You will hear Clifton’s take on the inevitable challenges and adversities that come with accepting the invitation, what they all really mean, and what helps with the highs and lows of the journey. His passion for this work is very evident. If you find yourself discerning an invitation from God, Clifton offers suggestions for exploring your unique calling. Tune in and learn from someone with practical insight gleaned from experiencing an invitation and experiencing seminary formation.

Clifton Mastran grew up in Florida and attended the University of Florida. Before entering Pope St. John XXIII, he had an 18-year career in the Department of Defense, working seven years in Rhode Island and eleven in Washington, D.C. He is scheduled to be ordained a deacon in the spring of 2025.

Episode 31: Created for Communion with One Another | Deacon Charles Tupta, Rock Hill Oratory of St. Philip Neri, S.C.

December 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  18 mins 34 secs

In this episode, Msgr. Bill Fay talks with Deacon Charles Tupta who is in his fourth year of formation at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. Dcn. Charles is a member of the Rock Hill Oratory in South Carolina.

Episode 30: "You were Reading the Gospel Directly to Me" | Deacon John Kim, Order of Cistercians of Strict Observance (Trappists) – St. Joseph’s Abbey

November 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  23 mins 22 secs

Deacon John Kim was born in South Korea to a devout Catholic family. After graduating from college, he taught high school in Korea. Yet, a yearning for God and a desire for deeper meaning tugged at his heart. In response to God’s call, he entered the Trappist monastery of St. Joseph’s Abbey in Spencer and began a new life in answer to the Lord’s invitation.

Episode 29: Always Stay Open | Deacon Jorge Reyes, Archdiocese of Miami

October 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  17 mins 55 secs

boston, catholic, christian, priests, seminarians, seminary, vocation

Deacon Jorge Reyes has been a deacon since 2017. He is a mechanical engineer by trade and worked for over 30 years as a consultant in consulting engineering firms. He has two wonderful, faithful adult children who are twins and of whom he is very proud. He is scheduled, God willing, to be ordained to the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Miami on May 10, 2025.

Episode 28: “Christ the Servant or Christ the Shepherd? | Deacon Brian Delaney

September 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  17 mins 55 secs

Deacon Brian Delaney of the Archdiocese of Boston is in his final year of formation at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. He sits down with Msgr. Bill Fay to discuss his personal vocation journey and how he came to understand God’s calling for him. Deacon Brian is a widower and was married 37 years. He has a wonderful daughter and granddaughter. He was very involved in his parish communities as a volunteer. He developed a comfort level being around parish life and that opened in him a desire to serve more. But how? Should he become a permanent deacon? A priest asked him one day, “do you want to be a deacon or a priest?” Brian decided to explore a definitive answer to that question. Hear how the “First Fridays” program at Pope St. John XXIII influenced his decision. During one of these programs, a deeper question was asked of him, “Christ the Servant or Christ the Shepherd?” The answer for Brian clearly came into focus. Hear Brian also discuss with Msgr. Bill Fay topics of work as well as what living in this particular seminary means, what makes it unique. Brian offers advice for those men on the threshold of a decision or who are just starting an exploration of what God is asking them to do. This is a discussion you won’t want to miss.

Brian arrived at Pope St. John XXIII after 40 years in the Defense Field, both in the corporate world and in the US Navy. He retired from Raytheon Missiles and Defense as a Senior Manager, Global Security Services.

Deacon Brian Delaney is scheduled to be ordained a priest in the spring of 2025.

Episode 27: “You Are a Priest Forever…” Psalms 110:4 | Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa, Diocese of Brooklyn

August 26th, 2024  |  Season 1  |  18 mins 12 secs

In this episode we meet Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa of the Diocese of Brooklyn in New York. Podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay explores what made Deacon Gerardo discern the priesthood. Gerardo has always lived a life in service to others. He worked in the restaurant industry, as a waiter and server’s assistant…serving many people he encountered daily. There came a time where, for three years, a local priest consistently asked him to consider the priesthood. And each time Gerardo denied the invitation…until the priest kicked him out of his parish! This priest saw something in Gerardo that Gerardo himself did not understand. He doubled down on his Bible readings, heard friends and family also encouraging him. One morning, when he asked the Lord “what do you want me to do?,” the Lord answered him clearly. He was expecting a different answer! Deacon Gerardo tells us of his own surprise at the life of a priest, the JOY he has witnessed and also experiences while he continues his formation at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. He is ready. People have approached him and told him “We need you.” He accepts the challenges and the joys of priesthood and looks forward to his ordination. Tune in for a very honest conversation. And find out, did he ever see that local priest again?

Deacon Gerardo Tlatelpa is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in the spring of 2025.

Episode 26: Leading People Toward Christ | Deacon William Burns

July 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  21 mins 17 secs

It took some time. Then Deacon Bill Burns recognized that Christ was calling him to a new path, one that would allow Bill to boldly lead people toward Christ.

Episode 25: The Blossoming of a Vocation | Deacon Patrick Bruen

June 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  21 mins 17 secs

Deacon Pat has a technical background and was in the IT field for most of his working life as a salesperson. He also owned his own company processing payroll for small businesses before entering Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. He hopes to be celebrating his ordination to priesthood in spring 2025 with his children and fifteen grandchildren.

Episode 24: “Grab A Couple of Oars!” and Follow God | Patrick Long

May 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  21 mins 17 secs

Pat grew up a cradle Catholic in Sarasota, Florida and spent most of his business career in Healthcare Marketing. By being involved in various ministries within the Church at different times, as well as his daily reception of the Eucharist, recitation of the Rosary, and regular Spiritual Direction, Pat says God’s call became clear. The Diocese recommended PSJS, and Pat is pleased to be attending a seminary staffed by Diocesan priests, many of whom have served in active parishes.

Episode 23: The Cause Greater than Self | John Williams

April 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  21 mins 6 secs

John Williams worked for a decade in Jesuit high school education. He is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Operation Iraqi Freedom. John holds an M.A. in Philosophical Studies from Mount St. Mary’s University and a B.A. in Social Sciences from Chapman University. He is scheduled to be ordained a priest in 2025.

Episode 22: The Formula is Right at PSJS XXIII | Deacon Robert Hennekes, Archdiocese of St. Louis

March 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  19 mins 59 secs

Prior to entering the seminary, Deacon Bob had a 33-year career as a Chemical engineer in the oil and gas industry, followed by 8 years of teaching science and engineering at St. Dominic High School in O'Fallon, Missouri. He became a permanent deacon in the St. Louis Archdiocese while teaching at St. Dominic.
“With my level of age and experience, Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary is the perfect spot for me. The seminarians here are mature, loving, and ready to serve God. All of us have experience working in the secular world and now share the joy to work in the spiritual world.”

Episode 21: I Can Do This - A Calling Manifested | Deacon Jason Fox

February 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  20 mins 40 secs

Deacon Jason Fox studied Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice in Michigan before moving back to Ohio and being nearer to his family. It was in Columbus that his calling to the priesthood reemerged suddenly and unexpectedly. In his words, “I decided to stop fighting my true vocation and instead embraced it.” Deacon Jason is scheduled to be ordained a diocesan priest in the spring of 2024.

Episode 20: God’s Providence Comes to Fruition | Deacon Stephen Mullaney

January 23rd, 2024  |  Season 1  |  17 mins 43 secs

catholic, deacon, jesus, prayer, priesthood, seminarian, vocation

Before entering the Seminary, Deacon Steve had a successful career for over 30 years as a civil engineer, the last 16 years operating his own business. He held leadership positions at the regional Chamber of Commerce for 9 years and was a long-time caregiver to his grandparents and parents. Deacon Steve is scheduled to be ordained a diocesan priest in the spring of 2024.