Never Too Late at Pope St. John XXIII Seminary: Recent Episodes
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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/
In this latest episode, Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with Deacon John Tanyi who 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. Though inspired by mission priests as a young man, he was primarily motivated by his family from a very young age. His family home was a “domestic Church”, a place where, he says, was his first seminary! His parents led the way and John was all in. Additionally, you will learn Deacon John’s perspective on global diplomacy, the Pope, and what led to the writing of a new book that is near publication. Deacon John earned a Masters in Peace Studies and International Relations from Hekima University, Nairobi, Kenya. He has taught Political Science and Peace Studies at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa as well as at Mount Kenya University, Nairobi. In 2020 he graduated from Boston College with a Master’s in Theology and Ministry. He is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in May of 2024.
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 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.
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! Deacon James Thomson was born and lived in the United Kingdom for 27 years. After university, he worked for Barkley’s Bank for 5 years. When his father retired, the entire family immigrated to Australia and James continued his banking career for another 10 years. Deacon James is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in late spring of 2023.
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. Deacon Jim has three children and four grandchildren. He is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood in the late spring or early summer of 2023, for the Diocese of Bridgeport.
In this episode, Msgr. Bill Fay speaks with Rev. James “Jim” Boulette about his experience during his four years at the Seminary. Fr. Jim is a member of the Class of 2022 and serves in the Diocese of Worcester in Massachusetts. The two discuss the biggest difference between “then” and “now” as Fr. Jim prepared for his ordination. Overall, Fr. Jim is most grateful for the growth of his confidence in preaching the Gospel and in leading Youth Ministry groups at parish assignments. They also discuss the unique priestly formation program at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary, the friendships formed, and the solid peer support as each man travels through the program. Hear Fr. Jim speak about a “leap of faith in God and with God” in answering the call to priesthood. 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.
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. Fr. Jerry speaks about the variety of responsibilities in a seminarian’s day and the ways in which these prepare men to be priests. They also discuss Fr. Jerry’s experience while assigned to the Braintree Catholic Collaborative in Braintree, Massachusetts where he learned to apply the human, spiritual, intellectual, and pastoral components of formation that he had learned throughout his time in the seminary. Fr. Jerry speaks about routine, the Liturgy of the Hours, and his first visit to Pope St. John XXIII Seminary – you won’t want to miss his experience! And hear about an encounter he had that solidified his decision to follow the call of God late in life, and what the future may hold for him. 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.
In this month’s episode, Msgr. Bill Fay discusses family issues with Rev. Eugene “Gene” Schaeffer, a member of the Class of 2022 who is now serving the Archdiocese of St. Louis. Fr. Gene is well-suited for this conversation since he entered the Seminary as a dad to two wonderful daughters and a grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren. Fr. Gene experienced a latent faith practice, a divorce and an annulment, and then had a strong return to the faith and moved forward to be ordained a permanent deacon. But there was still more he desired to do. Listen as he and Msgr. Fay discuss Fr. Gene’s path to priesthood; about how his path is not only attainable, but also opens up a unique postition to reach God's people and relate to the many triumphs and tribulations families face in their relationships with God. You'll also get to hear Fr. Gene talk about his rowboat! Prior to arriving at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary for formation, Fr. Gene was employed in healthcare IT for close to 30 years, mostly as a leader of application developers and business analysts. His last job was at Centene Corp., a healthcare company primarily in the Medicare and Medicaid markets. Rev. Eugene “Gene” Schaeffer was ordained to the priesthood on May 28, 2022. He is serving in the Archdiocese of St. Louis.
Msgr. William Fay discusses with Deacon Michael Young of the Class of 2022 his process of discernment, about the people and experiences throughout his life that influenced his decision to answer God’s call. Learn about the steps Deacon Michael took to become a candidate and, in due course, a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Venice at Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. Prior to arriving at PSJS, Deacon Michael was a reentry program case manager for men and women transitioning from the Federal Bureau of Prisons back into society. Deacon Michael has also served his country as a member of the armed forces and has been a law enforcement officer and special/enforcement agent. He is a former member of a religious community and transitioned to candidacy and formation for the diocesan priesthood. Deacon Michael Young will be ordained to the priesthood on July 16, 2022, for the Diocese of Venice.
A new podcast, coming soon! 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.