The vocation office is pleased to announce six new seminarians for this academic year. They are:

Transfer
Larry Bowers is a native of Delia, KS, and had been in formation for the Capuchins in Denver, CO. Larry discerned that God was calling him to diocesan priesthood and requested a transfer to the Archdiocese, which was completed in the spring. Larry will continue his seminary studies at St. John Vianney in Denver, where he will be in Theology III. Larry is from St. Stanislaus in Rossville, KS.

Beginning Formation

Michael Guastello comes to us after working in pharmaceutical sales. He is originally from Kansas City, MO, but has lived in Kansas and been a parishioner of Sacred Heart, Shawnee for the past ten years. Michael is beginning Pre-Theology I at Mundelein Seminary in the Chicago area.

Carter Zielinski will begin at Conception as a 2nd year college student. He was a civil engineering student at KU for two years. This summer he was on a Totus Tuus team, evangelizing throughout the archdiocese. Carter is from Nativity Parish in Leawood.

Nicholas Ashmore graduated from Mars High School in Pittsburg, PA and will begin college seminary at Conception. Nicholas and his family had lived in Burlington, KS and were members of St. Francis Xavier for a number of years before moving to Pennsylvania. Nicholas discerned that his vocation should be answered in Kansas where the Church had a big influence on his faith formation. Nicholas helped the vocation office with website needs this summer.

Doug Leikam graduated from St. James Academy and will begin college at Conception. Doug played varsity baseball for St. James and went to the state championship game. Doug was also on the Totus Tuus team this summer. He is a parishioner of Holy Trinity in Overland Park.

Thomas Maddock graduated from St. James Academy and will also begin studies at Conception. He has played varsity football and baseball at St. James. Thomas is from Holy Spirit Parish in Overland Park, where he has been active. This summer Thomas was on the staff at Camp Tekakwitha.

Walt Nelson is our newest seminarian beginning his first year of college at Conception in January, 2012. Walt is from St. Joseph Parish in Shawnee and has been a driver with Fed Ex and other truck lines for about ten years.

Please pray for these men as they begin formation. You can see their pictures and read a little about them by clicking "Seminarians" under the Diocesan Priesthood tab.