web02.fireside.fm Sun, 19 Apr 2026 20:39:43 -0500 Fireside (https://fireside.fm) Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary - Episodes Tagged with “Seminary” https://psjs.fireside.fm/tags/seminary Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400 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 29: Always Stay Open | Deacon Jorge Reyes, Archdiocese of Miami https://psjs.fireside.fm/29 38994f89-c745-4a01-ad2d-212eaff9e96d Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400 Grexly full 1 Grexly 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. 17:55 no Deacon Jorge Reyes came to the doors of Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary as a permanent deacon. His faith has always been central to his life. Listen and hear about the road he took that led him to consider priesthood. How did his experience in mechanical engineering help prepare him for ministry in the Church? What did his twin children think of his decision to become a priest? Although he had experience as a permanent deacon, there were still adjustments to be made when he decided upon priesthood. How has he managed those adjustments? Pope St. John XXIII has a very supportive program for permanent deacons whereby each man’s previous experience helps to inform his individual formation program. What is Deacon Jorge’s advice to men who are wondering if they have what it takes to consider priesthood? For one, he suggests staying open to what God is presenting for you to do. As Msgr. Fay also suggests, take stock of your experiences. As you consider a vocation, do you see the fingerprint of God? Deacon Jorge and Msgr. Fay have a simple and heartfelt discussion on this episode that you won’t want to miss. 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. Catholic, priests, seminary, seminarians, Boston, vocation, Christian Deacon Jorge Reyes came to the doors of Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary as a permanent deacon. His faith has always been central to his life. Listen and hear about the road he took that led him to consider priesthood. How did his experience in mechanical engineering help prepare him for ministry in the Church? What did his twin children think of his decision to become a priest? Although he had experience as a permanent deacon, there were still adjustments to be made when he decided upon priesthood. How has he managed those adjustments? Pope St. John XXIII has a very supportive program for permanent deacons whereby each man’s previous experience helps to inform his individual formation program. What is Deacon Jorge’s advice to men who are wondering if they have what it takes to consider priesthood? For one, he suggests staying open to what God is presenting for you to do. As Msgr. Fay also suggests, take stock of your experiences. As you consider a vocation, do you see the fingerprint of God? Deacon Jorge and Msgr. Fay have a simple and heartfelt discussion on this episode that you won’t want to miss.

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.

]]> Deacon Jorge Reyes came to the doors of Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary as a permanent deacon. His faith has always been central to his life. Listen and hear about the road he took that led him to consider priesthood. How did his experience in mechanical engineering help prepare him for ministry in the Church? What did his twin children think of his decision to become a priest? Although he had experience as a permanent deacon, there were still adjustments to be made when he decided upon priesthood. How has he managed those adjustments? Pope St. John XXIII has a very supportive program for permanent deacons whereby each man’s previous experience helps to inform his individual formation program. What is Deacon Jorge’s advice to men who are wondering if they have what it takes to consider priesthood? For one, he suggests staying open to what God is presenting for you to do. As Msgr. Fay also suggests, take stock of your experiences. As you consider a vocation, do you see the fingerprint of God? Deacon Jorge and Msgr. Fay have a simple and heartfelt discussion on this episode that you won’t want to miss.

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 14: Don't Lose Hope. Stay Focused. | Deacon Barry Mongeon https://psjs.fireside.fm/14 a522b65c-44b5-4402-9af0-44afc6c841f2 Sun, 23 Jul 2023 15:00:00 -0400 Grexly full 1 Grexly “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. 20:00 no Deacon Barry Mongeon is a member of the Class of 2024 and is in formation for the Archdiocese of Boston. He sits down with Msgr. Bill Fay and shares his vocation journey, talking especially about the encouragement he received when he decided to pursue God’s call. Deacon Barry offers his own encouraging words to any man discerning God’s plan for himself: Be realistic about your goals, always look forward and run the race. Follow the way of God and all will fall into place. In choosing to become a seminarian, your many gifts and talents will be readily used and will blossom. “Come as you are and offer all that you have,” says Deacon Barry. “God will take care of the rest.” Listen to this great discussion between Deacon Barry and Msgr. Bill Fay and perhaps you, too, will be encouraged to learn more about serving God as a Catholic priest. Deacon Barry was a professional musician for the Diocese of Springfield and an educator/author for the craft industry. Prior to that he was a marketing manager for a regional ribbon and trim company. Barry has also had a 20-year career as a professional designer/wedding specialist. Deacon Barry Mongeon was ordained a transitional deacon on May 13, 2023, and is spending his summer serving in Sacred Heart Parish in Roslindale, Massachusetts. priesthood, seminary Deacon Barry Mongeon is a member of the Class of 2024 and is in formation for the Archdiocese of Boston. He sits down with Msgr. Bill Fay and shares his vocation journey, talking especially about the encouragement he received when he decided to pursue God’s call. Deacon Barry offers his own encouraging words to any man discerning God’s plan for himself: Be realistic about your goals, always look forward and run the race. Follow the way of God and all will fall into place. In choosing to become a seminarian, your many gifts and talents will be readily used and will blossom. “Come as you are and offer all that you have,” says Deacon Barry. “God will take care of the rest.” Listen to this great discussion between Deacon Barry and Msgr. Bill Fay and perhaps you, too, will be encouraged to learn more about serving God as a Catholic priest.

Deacon Barry was a professional musician for the Diocese of Springfield and an educator/author for the craft industry. Prior to that he was a marketing manager for a regional ribbon and trim company. Barry has also had a 20-year career as a professional designer/wedding specialist.

Deacon Barry Mongeon was ordained a transitional deacon on May 13, 2023, and is spending his summer serving in Sacred Heart Parish in Roslindale, Massachusetts.

]]> Deacon Barry Mongeon is a member of the Class of 2024 and is in formation for the Archdiocese of Boston. He sits down with Msgr. Bill Fay and shares his vocation journey, talking especially about the encouragement he received when he decided to pursue God’s call. Deacon Barry offers his own encouraging words to any man discerning God’s plan for himself: Be realistic about your goals, always look forward and run the race. Follow the way of God and all will fall into place. In choosing to become a seminarian, your many gifts and talents will be readily used and will blossom. “Come as you are and offer all that you have,” says Deacon Barry. “God will take care of the rest.” Listen to this great discussion between Deacon Barry and Msgr. Bill Fay and perhaps you, too, will be encouraged to learn more about serving God as a Catholic priest.

Deacon Barry was a professional musician for the Diocese of Springfield and an educator/author for the craft industry. Prior to that he was a marketing manager for a regional ribbon and trim company. Barry has also had a 20-year career as a professional designer/wedding specialist.

Deacon Barry Mongeon was ordained a transitional deacon on May 13, 2023, and is spending his summer serving in Sacred Heart Parish in Roslindale, Massachusetts.

]]> Episode 13: The Lord is the "Hound of Heaven" | Deacon Gregory Dougherty https://psjs.fireside.fm/13 8896a799-d28e-4573-b146-02cbcb2a971c Fri, 23 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400 Grexly full 1 Grexly 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. 17:43 no Deacon Greg Dougherty is a member of the Class of 2024 and serving the Diocese of Venice in Florida. In today’s podcast, Deacon Greg talks with Msgr. Bill Fay about his eventful discernment journey which eventually led him to seminary. If you like to row, you'll enjoy hearing about Greg’s spiritual experience on the water during a 90-day adventure. What prayer brought him through? How is the Lord the true “Hound of Heaven”? Msgr. Fay aptly points out, “If we open our hearts to Him, He’ll get us.” Deacon Greg speaks about life at the Seminary and the broad spectrum of men in the house who are “all dying to self” to serve God. You’ll hear why Mother Mary has a special role in Greg’s life, as well as his practical advice for any discerner. Deacon Greg has experiences in teaching, industrial sales, prison ministry, and establishing small businesses in the health and wellness industry which will all benefit his life as a parish priest. For Deacon Greg, “Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary has been an incredible blessing and I am very thankful that God has opened this door for me.” Deacon Gregory Dougherty was ordained a Transitional Deacon on April 29, 2023. priesthood, seminary, Deacon Greg Dougherty is a member of the Class of 2024 and serving the Diocese of Venice in Florida. In today’s podcast, Deacon Greg talks with Msgr. Bill Fay about his eventful discernment journey which eventually led him to seminary. If you like to row, you'll enjoy hearing about Greg’s spiritual experience on the water during a 90-day adventure. What prayer brought him through? How is the Lord the true “Hound of Heaven”? Msgr. Fay aptly points out, “If we open our hearts to Him, He’ll get us.” Deacon Greg speaks about life at the Seminary and the broad spectrum of men in the house who are “all dying to self” to serve God. You’ll hear why Mother Mary has a special role in Greg’s life, as well as his practical advice for any discerner.

Deacon Greg has experiences in teaching, industrial sales, prison ministry, and establishing small businesses in the health and wellness industry which will all benefit his life as a parish priest. For Deacon Greg, “Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary has been an incredible blessing and I am very thankful that God has opened this door for me.”

Deacon Gregory Dougherty was ordained a Transitional Deacon on April 29, 2023.

]]> Deacon Greg Dougherty is a member of the Class of 2024 and serving the Diocese of Venice in Florida. In today’s podcast, Deacon Greg talks with Msgr. Bill Fay about his eventful discernment journey which eventually led him to seminary. If you like to row, you'll enjoy hearing about Greg’s spiritual experience on the water during a 90-day adventure. What prayer brought him through? How is the Lord the true “Hound of Heaven”? Msgr. Fay aptly points out, “If we open our hearts to Him, He’ll get us.” Deacon Greg speaks about life at the Seminary and the broad spectrum of men in the house who are “all dying to self” to serve God. You’ll hear why Mother Mary has a special role in Greg’s life, as well as his practical advice for any discerner.

Deacon Greg has experiences in teaching, industrial sales, prison ministry, and establishing small businesses in the health and wellness industry which will all benefit his life as a parish priest. For Deacon Greg, “Pope Saint John XXIII National Seminary has been an incredible blessing and I am very thankful that God has opened this door for me.”

Deacon Gregory Dougherty was ordained a Transitional Deacon on April 29, 2023.

]]> 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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