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Mr. Jeffrey Paveglio
Pre-Theology
St. Mary’s Seminary
Baltimore, MD
Describe your most Amazing encounter with God.
Every time I am in the presence of the Eucharist, especially at Mass and in adoration, however the moment that stands out most for me is the first time I made a good confession after coming back to the church. The feeling of God's grace and the words of absolution were overwhelming.
Why did you choose to go to Seminary?
I chose to come to seminary because it is where God has asked me to come, and I can best discern my vocation here. I am here not to be a priest but to be a seminarian, to pray with and live with other men who feel called as I do. Seminary is just one step in a long discernment process that will, God willing, take me to the priesthood. It is here that I can learn more about my faith, about the sacraments, and continue to grow closer in my relationship to God. Here I feel challenged to truly live my faith. In the end I just want to bring people to Christ.
Name one thing you wish people knew about you.
I love music, including Country music, but not just listening to music, making it. I am also a proud Eagle Scout and a Second Lieutenant in the NH Army National Guard. I am from Bow, NH and my home parish is Immaculate Heart of Mary, from which my strong devotion to The Blessed Mother comes.
Favorite pastime.
I like to rock climb, hike, hunt and do things that are challenging and scary, pretty much anything outdoors. I love volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America and being out on the front lines in the battle for the right to life. I like to read, mostly about the Catholic Faith (apologetics, theology, liturgy etc...) and watch movies, however praising God through music gives me the most peace. As many people will tell you I also really like to talk.
What was your biggest obstacle to discerning God’s will?
The biggest obstacle to discernment for me was understanding that God's grace is far greater than my sins. I didn't feel worthy of priesthood. Also selfless service has always been important to me, but my priority was selfless service to others, fitting God in when I could. Once I put God first discernment was easy, and the real problem became how to serve him. Was I called to religious life or was I called to Diocesan Priesthood? I still struggle with this question, and must be called everyday. He doesn't just call once, it must be an ongoing conversion.
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