web02.fireside.fm Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:02:06 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary - Episodes Tagged with “Deacon” https://psjs.fireside.fm/tags/deacon Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:15:00 -0500 It’s never too late to respond to a call from God, and Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary is the podcast created for men considering a vocation to the priesthood, as well as those who support their journey of discernment. Pope Saint John XXIII Seminary is the national seminary that specializes in preparing men ages 30-65 to enter the priesthood. Join Monsignor Bill Fay on the 23rd of each month for Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary. For more information, visit https://www.psjs.edu/ en-us episodic a Vocations Podcast Grexly It’s never too late to respond to a call from God, and Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary is the podcast created for men considering a vocation to the priesthood, as well as those who support their journey of discernment. Pope Saint John XXIII Seminary is the national seminary that specializes in preparing men ages 30-65 to enter the priesthood. Join Monsignor Bill Fay on the 23rd of each month for Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary. For more information, visit https://www.psjs.edu/ no Grexly team@grexly.com Episode 20: God’s Providence Comes to Fruition | Deacon Stephen Mullaney https://psjs.fireside.fm/20 6a0d6113-2b1f-4d97-951f-3a958e09347c Tue, 23 Jan 2024 12:15:00 -0500 Grexly full 1 Grexly 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. 17:43 no In this first episode of the calendar year, we hear from Deacon Stephen Mullaney, a fourth-year seminarian in formation for the Diocese of Worcester. Sharing his vocation story, he begins by telling us of a young boy who thought he wanted to be a meteorologist! Deacon Steve takes us through the joys and challenges he experienced working many years in the City of Worcester, serving his community while also taking care of family members. Steve didn’t become a meteorologist, but he did become a civil engineer and worked tirelessly - as an employee, a business owner, and as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. During these years God was also working - with Steve to guide him to where he needed to be. Steve had entered the Permanent Diaconate program but was encouraged to go further and entered the seminary to become a diocesan priest. Pope St. John XXIII has programs such as First Friday Holy Hours and retreats to help a discerning man and Deacon Steve had participated in them all. Hear what stands out most during his formation and what has been the greatest blessing for him at Pope St. John XXIII. Deacon, vocation, priesthood, Catholic, Jesus, Prayer, Seminarian In this first episode of the calendar year, we hear from Deacon Stephen Mullaney, a fourth-year seminarian in formation for the Diocese of Worcester. Sharing his vocation story, he begins by telling us of a young boy who thought he wanted to be a meteorologist! Deacon Steve takes us through the joys and challenges he experienced working many years in the City of Worcester, serving his community while also taking care of family members. Steve didn’t become a meteorologist, but he did become a civil engineer and worked tirelessly - as an employee, a business owner, and as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. During these years God was also working - with Steve to guide him to where he needed to be. Steve had entered the Permanent Diaconate program but was encouraged to go further and entered the seminary to become a diocesan priest. Pope St. John XXIII has programs such as First Friday Holy Hours and retreats to help a discerning man and Deacon Steve had participated in them all. Hear what stands out most during his formation and what has been the greatest blessing for him at Pope St. John XXIII.

]]> In this first episode of the calendar year, we hear from Deacon Stephen Mullaney, a fourth-year seminarian in formation for the Diocese of Worcester. Sharing his vocation story, he begins by telling us of a young boy who thought he wanted to be a meteorologist! Deacon Steve takes us through the joys and challenges he experienced working many years in the City of Worcester, serving his community while also taking care of family members. Steve didn’t become a meteorologist, but he did become a civil engineer and worked tirelessly - as an employee, a business owner, and as Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce. During these years God was also working - with Steve to guide him to where he needed to be. Steve had entered the Permanent Diaconate program but was encouraged to go further and entered the seminary to become a diocesan priest. Pope St. John XXIII has programs such as First Friday Holy Hours and retreats to help a discerning man and Deacon Steve had participated in them all. Hear what stands out most during his formation and what has been the greatest blessing for him at Pope St. John XXIII.

]]> Episode 19: We Live Like Brothers | Deacon Luiz Marquez https://psjs.fireside.fm/19 8260bb15-4f8e-4a6d-af39-546740f01fd1 Sat, 23 Dec 2023 09:00:00 -0500 Grexly full 1 Grexly Deacon Luiz Marquez, Diocese of Brooklyn, discusses what he is grateful for as Christmas approaches and the path he took to priesthood. 19:02 no Deacon Luis Marquez, Diocese of Brooklyn Christmas is almost here, when we take pause and count our many blessings. Deacon Luis Marquez of the Diocese of Brooklyn is grateful for many things, and today he talks with Msgr. Bill Fay about one particular special blessing he holds – being on the road to priesthood. Hear about the winding path he took despite God calling him at a very young age. What did he witness? What did he hear? Native to Medellín, Columbia, Deacon Luis came to the United States as a teenager. Seeing a different way of life and Catholic faith when he arrived, he decided to explore a steady career path and put off considering religious life. Finally, one experience cemented for him the strength of God’s call and Luis entered Pope St. John XXIII. According to Luis, at the Seminary “we live like brothers” and work together toward one goal. Hear his joy at being close to ordination and returning to a diocese where Mass is celebrated in 22 different languages every Sunday! For the support the faculty and PSJS community gives him toward his vocation, Deacon Luis says, “I will always praise this place.” Deacon Luis attended the Minor Seminary of the Archdiocese of Medellín before he emigrated with his family to the United States. He went on to receive a degree in modern language and become a Spanish teacher before answering God’s call. Deacon Luis is scheduled to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn in spring 2024. Deacon, Christmas, Priest, Priesthood, vocation, Catholic, Christian Deacon Luis Marquez, Diocese of Brooklyn

Christmas is almost here, when we take pause and count our many blessings. Deacon Luis Marquez of the Diocese of Brooklyn is grateful for many things, and today he talks with Msgr. Bill Fay about one particular special blessing he holds – being on the road to priesthood. Hear about the winding path he took despite God calling him at a very young age. What did he witness? What did he hear? Native to Medellín, Columbia, Deacon Luis came to the United States as a teenager. Seeing a different way of life and Catholic faith when he arrived, he decided to explore a steady career path and put off considering religious life. Finally, one experience cemented for him the strength of God’s call and Luis entered Pope St. John XXIII. According to Luis, at the Seminary “we live like brothers” and work together toward one goal. Hear his joy at being close to ordination and returning to a diocese where Mass is celebrated in 22 different languages every Sunday! For the support the faculty and PSJS community gives him toward his vocation, Deacon Luis says, “I will always praise this place.”

Deacon Luis attended the Minor Seminary of the Archdiocese of Medellín before he emigrated with his family to the United States. He went on to receive a degree in modern language and become a Spanish teacher before answering God’s call. Deacon Luis is scheduled to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn in spring 2024.

]]> Deacon Luis Marquez, Diocese of Brooklyn

Christmas is almost here, when we take pause and count our many blessings. Deacon Luis Marquez of the Diocese of Brooklyn is grateful for many things, and today he talks with Msgr. Bill Fay about one particular special blessing he holds – being on the road to priesthood. Hear about the winding path he took despite God calling him at a very young age. What did he witness? What did he hear? Native to Medellín, Columbia, Deacon Luis came to the United States as a teenager. Seeing a different way of life and Catholic faith when he arrived, he decided to explore a steady career path and put off considering religious life. Finally, one experience cemented for him the strength of God’s call and Luis entered Pope St. John XXIII. According to Luis, at the Seminary “we live like brothers” and work together toward one goal. Hear his joy at being close to ordination and returning to a diocese where Mass is celebrated in 22 different languages every Sunday! For the support the faculty and PSJS community gives him toward his vocation, Deacon Luis says, “I will always praise this place.”

Deacon Luis attended the Minor Seminary of the Archdiocese of Medellín before he emigrated with his family to the United States. He went on to receive a degree in modern language and become a Spanish teacher before answering God’s call. Deacon Luis is scheduled to be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Brooklyn in spring 2024.

]]> Episode 18: A Peaceful Pace | Deacon Greg Zingler https://psjs.fireside.fm/18 85b5ab43-5897-439a-9f46-abddbeefb9df Thu, 23 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0500 Grexly full 1 Grexly 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. 17:50 no As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, we hear today from Deacon Greg Zingler who is in the Class of 2024 for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Sitting down with podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay, Deacon Greg discusses what makes him grateful. He speaks as a young student of history, sharing insights he garnered from his own family background. His journey to seminary was preceded by six years in the military and ten years working with Missionaries of Charity in Washington D.C., the order founded by Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The discipline and rhythm of military life is similar to life in the seminary; coupled with a regular practice of his faith you could say that Deacon Greg was well-prepared to embark on seminary formation. “There is a peaceful pace to it all,” says Greg. He shares how the men in this unique seminary for older candidates lead one another along the way with peer encouragement. Deacon Greg is grateful for his past experiences, and grateful for the ones on the horizon as a priest. Tune in and be inspired to deepen your own faith practice and relationship with God. Deacon Greg Zingler was formerly married and has been blessed with three grown children – a daughter and two sons; all are married and are raising their families in California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Deacon Greg is scheduled to be ordained a priest in the spring of 2024. Washington D.C., Thanksgiving, Deacon, Student, Catholic, Christian, Jesus, Church As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, we hear today from Deacon Greg Zingler who is in the Class of 2024 for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Sitting down with podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay, Deacon Greg discusses what makes him grateful. He speaks as a young student of history, sharing insights he garnered from his own family background. His journey to seminary was preceded by six years in the military and ten years working with Missionaries of Charity in Washington D.C., the order founded by Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The discipline and rhythm of military life is similar to life in the seminary; coupled with a regular practice of his faith you could say that Deacon Greg was well-prepared to embark on seminary formation. “There is a peaceful pace to it all,” says Greg. He shares how the men in this unique seminary for older candidates lead one another along the way with peer encouragement. Deacon Greg is grateful for his past experiences, and grateful for the ones on the horizon as a priest. Tune in and be inspired to deepen your own faith practice and relationship with God.

Deacon Greg Zingler was formerly married and has been blessed with three grown children – a daughter and two sons; all are married and are raising their families in California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Deacon Greg is scheduled to be ordained a priest in the spring of 2024.

]]> As we celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, we hear today from Deacon Greg Zingler who is in the Class of 2024 for the Archdiocese of Washington, D.C. Sitting down with podcast host Msgr. Bill Fay, Deacon Greg discusses what makes him grateful. He speaks as a young student of history, sharing insights he garnered from his own family background. His journey to seminary was preceded by six years in the military and ten years working with Missionaries of Charity in Washington D.C., the order founded by Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The discipline and rhythm of military life is similar to life in the seminary; coupled with a regular practice of his faith you could say that Deacon Greg was well-prepared to embark on seminary formation. “There is a peaceful pace to it all,” says Greg. He shares how the men in this unique seminary for older candidates lead one another along the way with peer encouragement. Deacon Greg is grateful for his past experiences, and grateful for the ones on the horizon as a priest. Tune in and be inspired to deepen your own faith practice and relationship with God.

Deacon Greg Zingler was formerly married and has been blessed with three grown children – a daughter and two sons; all are married and are raising their families in California, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Deacon Greg is scheduled to be ordained a priest in the spring of 2024.

]]> Episode 17: Doing God’s Will is Happiness | Jozef Ukaj https://psjs.fireside.fm/17 e76e9c23-a60b-4a18-bea3-60176313ee5e Mon, 23 Oct 2023 08:00:00 -0400 Grexly full 1 Grexly 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. 13:31 no Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary with Msgr. Bill Fay is honored to have on the podcast Jozef Ukaj who is a fourth-year seminarian in formation for the Diocese of Bridgeport in Connecticut. A heartfelt discussion ensues as Msgr. Fay encourages Jozef to share what road he has travelled that brings him to this particular seminary where he can best prepare to serve God and the people of Bridgeport. Jozef was born in Kosovo, moved to Croatia, and has also lived in Germany and now the United States. All these experiences and cultures deepen his ability to connect with people on many different levels. His greatest lesson learned: to be present. He was not always ready to accept what God wanted him to do, but happiness settled into his life once he surrendered. Hear more about the parish work Jozef has experienced, and what he likes most about teaching CCD to kids! Before entering seminary life, Jozef worked in the grocery, restaurant, and luxury apartments industries. As he continues his formation for the Diocese of Bridgeport, he looks forward to being ordained to the priesthood in spring of 2024. Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary with Msgr. Bill Fay is honored to have on the podcast Jozef Ukaj who is a fourth-year seminarian in formation for the Diocese of Bridgeport in Connecticut. A heartfelt discussion ensues as Msgr. Fay encourages Jozef to share what road he has travelled that brings him to this particular seminary where he can best prepare to serve God and the people of Bridgeport. Jozef was born in Kosovo, moved to Croatia, and has also lived in Germany and now the United States. All these experiences and cultures deepen his ability to connect with people on many different levels. His greatest lesson learned: to be present. He was not always ready to accept what God wanted him to do, but happiness settled into his life once he surrendered. Hear more about the parish work Jozef has experienced, and what he likes most about teaching CCD to kids!

Before entering seminary life, Jozef worked in the grocery, restaurant, and luxury apartments industries. As he continues his formation for the Diocese of Bridgeport, he looks forward to being ordained to the priesthood in spring of 2024.

]]> Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary with Msgr. Bill Fay is honored to have on the podcast Jozef Ukaj who is a fourth-year seminarian in formation for the Diocese of Bridgeport in Connecticut. A heartfelt discussion ensues as Msgr. Fay encourages Jozef to share what road he has travelled that brings him to this particular seminary where he can best prepare to serve God and the people of Bridgeport. Jozef was born in Kosovo, moved to Croatia, and has also lived in Germany and now the United States. All these experiences and cultures deepen his ability to connect with people on many different levels. His greatest lesson learned: to be present. He was not always ready to accept what God wanted him to do, but happiness settled into his life once he surrendered. Hear more about the parish work Jozef has experienced, and what he likes most about teaching CCD to kids!

Before entering seminary life, Jozef worked in the grocery, restaurant, and luxury apartments industries. As he continues his formation for the Diocese of Bridgeport, he looks forward to being ordained to the priesthood in spring of 2024.

]]> Episode 12: Surrender Fully and Hear God | Deacon Edgar Serrano https://psjs.fireside.fm/12 5190eff0-af9b-4054-8534-09eb4657e88a Tue, 23 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400 Grexly full 1 Grexly 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. 12:39 no Deacon Edgar Serrano is a member of the Class of 2023 and will be serving the Diocese of Orlando once ordained. He sat with Msgr. Bill Fay to discuss his path to priesthood. Deacon Edgar grew up in Bogota-Columbia in South America, but he did not always stay with the predominant religion of the country – Catholicism. He explored another path but ultimately walked away. He ventured into the secular world and was successful. When a family tragedy struck, he and his family “doubled down” on their prayers to God for guidance and sustenance. Hear when the moment struck Edgar that God was calling him to do something more. How was his experience at the Seminary? How did surrendering fully to God’s plan make his seminary formation so full that he can now be a man of God as a priest whose heart is open to what God needs? Hear the discussion and perhaps you or someone you know can relate to Deacon Edgar’s path and may consider if God is calling you. Deacon Edgar worked as a dance / acting teacher for children from preschool to High School. He moved to the USA in 1999, worked in the customer service industry, and volunteered in community theater for years. He worked as a Director of Hispanic Ministry, became a Permanent Deacon, and eventually entered Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. Deacon Edgar Serrano will be ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 2023. bogota-columbia, deacon, priesthood, seminary Deacon Edgar Serrano is a member of the Class of 2023 and will be serving the Diocese of Orlando once ordained. He sat with Msgr. Bill Fay to discuss his path to priesthood. Deacon Edgar grew up in Bogota-Columbia in South America, but he did not always stay with the predominant religion of the country – Catholicism. He explored another path but ultimately walked away. He ventured into the secular world and was successful. When a family tragedy struck, he and his family “doubled down” on their prayers to God for guidance and sustenance. Hear when the moment struck Edgar that God was calling him to do something more. How was his experience at the Seminary? How did surrendering fully to God’s plan make his seminary formation so full that he can now be a man of God as a priest whose heart is open to what God needs? Hear the discussion and perhaps you or someone you know can relate to Deacon Edgar’s path and may consider if God is calling you.

Deacon Edgar worked as a dance / acting teacher for children from preschool to High School. He moved to the USA in 1999, worked in the customer service industry, and volunteered in community theater for years. He worked as a Director of Hispanic Ministry, became a Permanent Deacon, and eventually entered Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary.

Deacon Edgar Serrano will be ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 2023.

]]> Deacon Edgar Serrano is a member of the Class of 2023 and will be serving the Diocese of Orlando once ordained. He sat with Msgr. Bill Fay to discuss his path to priesthood. Deacon Edgar grew up in Bogota-Columbia in South America, but he did not always stay with the predominant religion of the country – Catholicism. He explored another path but ultimately walked away. He ventured into the secular world and was successful. When a family tragedy struck, he and his family “doubled down” on their prayers to God for guidance and sustenance. Hear when the moment struck Edgar that God was calling him to do something more. How was his experience at the Seminary? How did surrendering fully to God’s plan make his seminary formation so full that he can now be a man of God as a priest whose heart is open to what God needs? Hear the discussion and perhaps you or someone you know can relate to Deacon Edgar’s path and may consider if God is calling you.

Deacon Edgar worked as a dance / acting teacher for children from preschool to High School. He moved to the USA in 1999, worked in the customer service industry, and volunteered in community theater for years. He worked as a Director of Hispanic Ministry, became a Permanent Deacon, and eventually entered Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary.

Deacon Edgar Serrano will be ordained to the priesthood on May 27, 2023.

]]> Episode 11: Do Not Be Afraid – Pray and Do Your Part | Deacon Ernesto Alonso https://psjs.fireside.fm/11 3c35d764-512f-4320-8f9b-bf046fcfc88b Sun, 23 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400 Grexly full 1 Grexly 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. 11:22 no Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with Deacon Ernesto Alonso, a member of the Class of 2023 and serving the Diocese of Brooklyn. Deacon Ernesto is 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. We learn what brought Ernesto to America and how he found his way to Brooklyn, NY. As with any new undertaking, there are challenges and blessings. When asked his advice to those who may be discerning a priestly call, he offers: “’Do not be afraid.’ Pray, and do your part.” Deacon Ernesto is 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. After high school, Deacon Ernesto Alonso entered the Vincentian Fathers Seminary College where he studied philosophy. He eventually moved to Miami, earning an associate degree in culinary arts. He worked in the restaurant industry for 8 years and then moved to Astoria, NY where he worked as a personal chef and was very active in his local parish. Deacon Ernesto Alonso will be ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 2023. cuba, deacon, priesthood, seminary Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with Deacon Ernesto Alonso, a member of the Class of 2023 and serving the Diocese of Brooklyn. Deacon Ernesto is 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. We learn what brought Ernesto to America and how he found his way to Brooklyn, NY. As with any new undertaking, there are challenges and blessings. When asked his advice to those who may be discerning a priestly call, he offers: “’Do not be afraid.’ Pray, and do your part.” Deacon Ernesto is 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.

After high school, Deacon Ernesto Alonso entered the Vincentian Fathers Seminary College where he studied philosophy. He eventually moved to Miami, earning an associate degree in culinary arts. He worked in the restaurant industry for 8 years and then moved to Astoria, NY where he worked as a personal chef and was very active in his local parish.

Deacon Ernesto Alonso will be ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 2023.

]]> Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with Deacon Ernesto Alonso, a member of the Class of 2023 and serving the Diocese of Brooklyn. Deacon Ernesto is 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. We learn what brought Ernesto to America and how he found his way to Brooklyn, NY. As with any new undertaking, there are challenges and blessings. When asked his advice to those who may be discerning a priestly call, he offers: “’Do not be afraid.’ Pray, and do your part.” Deacon Ernesto is 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.

After high school, Deacon Ernesto Alonso entered the Vincentian Fathers Seminary College where he studied philosophy. He eventually moved to Miami, earning an associate degree in culinary arts. He worked in the restaurant industry for 8 years and then moved to Astoria, NY where he worked as a personal chef and was very active in his local parish.

Deacon Ernesto Alonso will be ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 2023.

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