Our Seminarians

Raymond K. Flores

Home Parish: St. Ann, Flushing
Pastoral Year Parish:
Seminary: Seminary of the Immaculate Conception, Huntington

The Church needs good and holy men who are willing to stand up for Christ, especially in our present culture. Do not let the world dissuade you from pursuing a vocation to the priesthood. Be open to where God might be leading you. If you think God may be calling you to the priesthood, take an honest look at the vocation. You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain.

To any man discerning a vocation of the priesthood, I would recommend that he speak to a priest, contact the vocations director, and attend various events and retreats that will help you discern the next step to take. One of the most helpful things I did to better discern God's call for me regarding the priesthood was to talk to seminarians. These men were already witnesses to the priestly life, responding and discerning God's call.

Before entering seminary, I was a student at Stony Brook University and completed my B.A. in Anthropology in the spring of 2007. I began my formation in the fall of 2007 with the Pre-Theology program at the Cathedral Seminary Residence of the Immaculate Conception in Douglaston. After completing the Pre-Theology program in Douglaston, I was assigned by the Bishop to complete my theological studies at the Seminary of the Immaculate Conception in Huntington.

I want to be a priest in Brooklyn and Queens because I want to serve the diocese that nurtured my faith and helped me to deepen my love for Christ and His Church. The whole world is represented within the mere 179 square miles that comprises the Diocese of Brooklyn, with people coming from all differing backgrounds and cultures.

The life of a seminarian is a demanding one, requiring him to balance the academic, spiritual, human, and pastoral aspects of formation. However, the seminarian still finds time for himself, his family and his own leisurely pursuits.

My decision to enter the seminary was influenced the most by the example of good and holy priests who are constant and faithful servants of God. If you are considering a vocation to the priesthood in Brooklyn and Queens, get to know the fine priest of the Diocese, talk to them, and they will help you to answer this great calling from God.