Our Seminarians
Our Seminarians > Jason Nicholas Espinal
Jason Nicholas Espinal
Home Parish: Transfiguration, Willamsburg
Seminary: Cathedral Seminary Residence, Douglaston
After having attended college and working, I felt that something was still missing. I decided to enter the seminary; I decided to "just give it a try". Well, that was over three years ago, and I am still here, and very happy that I said “YES” to God’s call.
Before entering the college seminary, I was enrolled in a secular college and working in a Law Firm in Downtown Brooklyn. I entered Cathedral Seminary Residence of the Immaculate Conception in the fall of 2006. I am currently completing my studies in philosophy, and I hope to graduate in the spring of 2009 from St. John’s University with a BA in Philosophy. One of the great priests that influenced my decision is my former pastor, Msgr. Brian Karvelis.
Life as a seminarian is definitely interesting! There is no such thing as a dull moment; there is always something to do. One must learn (as everyone else should I suppose) how to manage your spiritual life, academic life, community life, and yes, your personal life (we do have one). An advantage of being a seminarian is that you live in community with other seminarians and excellent priests. Living with other seminarians allows one who is discerning God’s call, to reflect and discuss with others in the same situation as yourself. We are all try to discern if we are being called to serve God’s people as priest of Jesus Christ.
If you feel that you might be called to this great vocation, first pray about it. Remember one does not sign up to be a priest, one is called. If you truly do feel that you have a vocation to the priesthood, peruse it! Even if you decide to enter the seminary it doesn't mean you will become a priest. It is an opportunity to continue discerning through formation. For me personally, I find each and everyday one more reason why I am called to this life.
Why anyone would not want to be a priest in Brooklyn and Queens is beyond my understanding! The world is here! Definitely what makes the Diocese of Brooklyn so unique is the sense that there is such a variety of people and culture.