Our Seminarians

John Dillon

Home Parish: St. John the Baptist in Custer

What is your favorite book? Father Elijah

What is your favorite movie? Inception

What is your favorite band? Chevelle

What do you do for fun?

Hang out family and friends, play guitar, watch movies, read theology

Who is your favorite Saint? Padre Pio

What high school did you attend? Custer High School

What year did you enter the seminary? Fall of 2006

What did you do prior to seminary entrance? Worked in town at a restaurant during high school

What influenced your decision to enter the seminary?

I prayed a lot and spoke with my parish priest and family. I loved the Church and Her teachings. Because of this, I couldn't help but talk about it with people and study it. The truths, in particular, of the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and the Sacrament of Confession really set me on fire about the priesthood. The more I prayed and studied, the more I felt drawn to seminary. This movement led me to abandon other plans for careers that I had desired for a long time to at least scope out the call.

Who did you talk to about your calling?

I spoke to my parents and my brother, my parish priest, the vocation director, and Bishop Cupich.

Why are you pursuing the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood?

Because I felt an attraction and drawing towards the priesthood during high school, and this call persisted throughout my time in seminary. I love the priesthood and everything about it and so I continue to push forward with the Church in this process.

What did your family and friends think about your decision to enter the seminary?

My family was overjoyed and very supportive. Most of my friends were supportive as well, but I think that it took them little while to get used to the idea of of me studying for the priesthood.

How familiar were you with seminary before applying?

I had been looking into it for awhile, but really got some insight when I went up on the "Come and See" weekends at the seminary in Winona.

What do you like about the seminary the most?

I like the spiritual life and the community the most. We are all struggling to grow into a deeper relationship with Christ and it is fostered in such a powerful way in seminary. The community is all growing and moving towards the same end: doing the will of Almighty God. I have seen my relationship with God exponentially grow while I have been in seminary. And the community is something that I think few other people have the chance to experience. Because of the spiritual life and goals, the community bonds and forms itself on the strongest foundation possible: Christ. The relationships formed in seminary are life-long friendships that have brought a lot of joy into my life.

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?

You gotta pray. Its a simple answer, but the reality requires effort. The call is something that's mysterious, so don't think that you are going to figure it today, or tomorrow, or, if God willing, you are a priest 50 years from now. Its a gift from God that we receive humbly. We explore it and embrace everyday of our lives. Your prayer will develop a relationship with God in which you will be with Him, and He with you. In such close proximity to the Lord it will be easier to see where He is leading you. If you think there is a possibility its seminary: Go for it! Discern your call! Don't just brush it aside, but chase after the Lord. You won't regret it!