Working at SJP2 Seminary
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September 5, 2019Claudia Castro, Joanna Trejo and Jenny Mulhare have more years of seminary experience than the seminarians who walk the halls at St. John Paul II Seminary. These women work at the seminary and contribute in so many ways to the wellbeing of the seminarians and the flourishing of the archdiocesan vocations program. We asked these pillars of the community a few questions to get their inside perspective on seminary life:
Did you know any seminarians before you started working here?
Claudia: No. I didn't even know that this place existed because I had only ever seen priests after they were ordained and were older.
Joanna: No.
Jenny: I have been with the Archdiocese for 32 years, working for three vocation directors and then moving here to the seminary at its beginning. Over these years I have been blessed to get to know so many seminarians and priests and am so happy to be here where I witness their call on a daily basis.
What advice would you give to a man who wants to be a seminarian?
Claudia: It is a very serious decision, but if you have that devotion in your heart, go for it. To plan something is very different than to want something in your heart. If you want something, you have to put it to the test to see if you really want it. And there will be adversity, but serving God is the best thing anyone can do.
Joanna: You are young. This makes it very difficult to make the decision, because there are many different options besides the seminary. You should choose good friendships, and keep what is good and reject what is bad.
Jenny: Plain and simple, to be open to God’s call. I’ve seen so many seminarians ordained happy and holy priests and also those who have become happy and holy husbands and fathers or have chosen a different path.
How is your work at St. John Paul II Seminary a way of serving God?
Claudia: Peace. I feel peace here, and it is an honor to work in this place. Whatever anyone believes, it is only God who is praiseworthy.
Joanna: I feel at peace working here. I feel good. Nothing is perfect, but a life in God is beautiful.
Jenny: There have been times when I feel I just answer the door or phone, but I realize that even the most mundane task and the work that I do is serving God. I truly love working here at the seminary.
***The seminarians owe so much to our faculty and staff. We wouldn't be who we are without them. We know that we will always need good role models and mentors. We are so blessed to have those at St. John Paul II Seminary, and we hope to have those as we serve God and God's Church in the future.