Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary

Episode 18: A Peaceful Pace | Deacon Greg Zingler

November 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  17 mins 50 secs

catholic, christian, church, deacon, thanksgiving

Deacon Greg Zingler discusses with Msgr. Bill Fay what he is thankful for. He talks about his journey to seminary, military, and working with the Missionaries of Charity.

Episode 17: Doing God’s Will is Happiness | Jozef Ukaj

October 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  13 mins 31 secs

deacon, priest, seminarian

Jozef Ukaj is a fourth-year seminarian in formation for the Diocese of Bridgeport in Connecticut who was born in Kosovo, moved to Croatia, and has also lived in Germany and now the United States. Before entering seminary life, Jozef worked in the grocery, restaurant, and luxury apartments industries. He looks forward to being ordained to the priesthood in spring of 2024.

Episode 16: Felt Like I Was Home | Deacon Joseph Gonzalez

September 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  15 mins 29 secs

In this episode, Deacon Joe Gonzalez talks with Msgr. Bill Fay about signposts that led him to answer God’s invitation to serve Him as a priest. Joseph was employed as a software test engineer for 18 years. Hear about his life as a United States Marine and the ways in which God was always weaving His way in and out of Joe’s life.

Episode 15: My Home as a Domestic Church | Deacon John Tanyi

August 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  19 mins 55 secs

Deacon John Tanyi is a member of the Class of 2024 and is in formation for the Archdiocese of Boston. Deacon John discusses his journey from Cameroon, AFRICA, to Boston and what influences helped inform his decision to pursue the priesthood.

Episode 14: Don't Lose Hope. Stay Focused. | Deacon Barry Mongeon

July 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  20 mins

priesthood, seminary

“Come as you are and offer all that you have. God will take care of the rest.” Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with Deacon Barry Mongeon to chat about his vocation story. Deacon Barry offers encouraging words to any man discerning his life's call: Be realistic about your goals, always look forward, and run the race.

Episode 13: The Lord is the "Hound of Heaven" | Deacon Gregory Dougherty

June 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  17 mins 43 secs

priesthood, seminary

Deacon Greg Dougherty talks about his eventful discernment journey, a spiritual experience he had while rowing during a 90-day adventure, life at the seminary, and his practical advice for anyone discerning a vocation.

Episode 12: Surrender Fully and Hear God | Deacon Edgar Serrano

May 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  12 mins 39 secs

bogota-columbia, deacon, priesthood, seminary

Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with Deacon Edgar Serrano who will be serving the Diocese of Orlando and is originally from Bogota-Columbia. He and Msgr. Fay discuss Edgar's return to the call of God after a family tragedy struck. Deacon worked as a dance and acting teacher for children from preschool to High School. Find out more about his story…and learn much more about the special fraternity at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary and the gifts it offers God’s Church for today and many tomorrows.

Episode 11: Do Not Be Afraid – Pray and Do Your Part | Deacon Ernesto Alonso

April 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  11 mins 22 secs

cuba, deacon, priesthood, seminary

Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with Deacon Ernesto Alonso serving the Diocese of Brooklyn and originally from Havana, Cuba. He and Msgr. Fay discuss Ernesto’s perspective on the two cultures of the Church as found in Cuba and the United States. Deacon Ernesto is also a trained chef – what’s his favorite dish? Find out…and learn much more about the special fraternity at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary and the gifts it offers God’s Church for today and many tomorrows.

10: Prepared and Ready to Serve | Deacon Gustavo Correa

March 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  11 mins 36 secs

colombia

Msgr. Bill Fay chats with Deacon Gustavo Correa, a seminarian for the Diocese of Worcester who is originally from Colombia. As a young man, Deacon Gustavo entered the Order of Holy Trinity but stepped away because he felt it was not the right time for him; The call persisted.

9: A Visit Remembered – Paths Cross Again | Deacon PeterClaver Kiviiri

February 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  11 mins 53 secs

uganda

Msgr. Bill Fay catches up with his old friend, Deacon PeterClaver Kiviiri, whom he met many years ago in Uganda and reconnected with years later at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. Deacon PeterClaver shares his perspective on priesthood in different cultures, the seminary brotherhood, and how he was encouraged by a bishop to act on the call he was hearing from God.

8: Encourage the Priesthood | Deacon Allen Boedeker

January 23rd, 2023  |  Season 1  |  12 mins 55 secs

archdiocese of st. louis, grandfather

Msgr. Bill Fay talks with Deacon Allen Boedeker about his path to priesthood, which is a path not uncommon Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary! Deacon Allen is a member of the Class of 2023 and in formation for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He is a father, a grandfather, and a great-grandfather! Deacon Allen takes us through a lifelong deepening of his faith that has ultimately led him to the priesthood. We also hear about what makes the formation program at this Seminary so strong. The most important takeaway is for listeners to know how important it is to encourage the priesthood in men who exhibit faith, virtue, and other characteristics that would benefit the Church and the world. Just a small word of encouragement can make all the difference in God’s plan.

7: Embracing the Challenges of Priesthood Later in Life | Deacon Zachary Alspaugh

December 23rd, 2022  |  Season 1  |  15 mins 6 secs

archdiocese of new york

Msgr. Bill Fay has a wonderful conversation with Deacon Zachary Alspaugh, a member of the Class of 2023 who is studying for the Archdiocese of New York. Zach discusses his circuitous route to Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, from New York City during his film school days, to San Francisco, then back to New York City. NYC’s unique energy always pulled him in - most especially the ministry to the homeless that greatly influenced Zach’s answer to his call to priesthood. Additionally, we hear about the gift of celibacy in the priestly life from Zach’s perspective, and how it allows him to be available and present to those he will serve in the Church. Zach listened to his spiritual leaders who told him “Go where your heart is leading you”, and he has trusted in God every step of the way.

6: A Global House of Formation | Deacon James Thomson

November 23rd, 2022  |  Season 1  |  11 mins 36 secs

australia

Many may not know that Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary draws men from across the globe! Many seminarians study for the priesthood and stay within the United States, but there a handful of men who pass through our doors and then travel back overseas to serve as priests. In this episode we meet Deacon James Thomson of the class of 2023, in formation for the Archdiocese of Adelaide in Australia. Learn about the circuitous route that brought James to Weston, Massachusetts, and how prepared he feels for his upcoming ordination in the spring. And you’ll want to hear what the Aussies can claim with pride about their mark on the history of Pope St. John XXIII!

5: Life Before Seminary | Deacon James DiVasto

October 23rd, 2022  |  Season 1  |  14 mins 30 secs

In this month’s episode, Msgr. Bill Fay speaks with Deacon James “Jim” DiVasto about his life before coming to the seminary. Prior to entering formation, he worked for 37 years at the Supreme Office of the Knights of Columbus in New Haven, CT, where he served in various roles supporting the mission of the Council, both nationally and globally. We hear how this helped build the foundation for Jim’s future formation as a priest. Additionally, Deacon Jim walks us through marriage, divorce, annulment and illness, and the grace that he received through these experiences. God is persistent! Listen and hear how the well-known conversation between Jesus and Peter profoundly impacted Jim, and how we all can be open to God’s guiding hand in our lives.

4: Four Years at the Seminary | Rev. James Boulette, Diocese of Worcester

September 23rd, 2022  |  Season 1  |  16 mins 49 secs

diocese of worcester, seminary life

In this episode, Msgr. Bill Fay speaks with Rev. James “Jim” Boulette about his experience over his four years at the Seminary. The two discuss the biggest difference between “then” and “now” as Fr. Jim prepared for his ordination. Prior to entering Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Fr. Jim worked for 18 years at the Deluxe Corporation in Groton, MA in the Information Technology department. Rev. James Boulette was ordained to the priesthood on June 18, 2022 and is serving in the Diocese of Worcester.

3: A Day in The Life of a Seminarian | Rev. Jerome Kleponis, Diocese of Harrisburg

August 23rd, 2022  |  Season 1  |  16 mins 13 secs

diocese of harrisburg, seminary life

Have you ever wondered what a day in the seminary is like? Msgr. Bill Fay explores this topic with Rev. Jerome “Jerry” Kleponis who is a member of the Class of 2022 and serves in the Diocese of Harrisburg. Prior to arriving at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, Rev. Jerry Kleponis practiced dentistry for some 34 years in the Pennsylvania area, to include underserved populations.
Fr. Jerry was ordained to the priesthood on June 4, 2022. He is now serving in the Diocese of Harrisburg.