Our Seminarians

Henry Jose Torres

Home Parish: St. Michael, East New York
Pastoral Year Parish:
Seminary: Cathedral Seminary Residence

All choices in life require sacrifice; the life of a seminarian is no different. Being a seminarian is a great experience, with its own unique challenges and rewards.

I want to be a priest in Brooklyn and Queens, because this is where I live. I know the neighborhoods of this great Diocese, and I feel called to be a Priest of Jesus Christ for the people of God here. What makes the Diocese of Brooklyn so great; the people. The diversity and the unique cultures from every corner of the world are found in this great Diocese.

I began my formation for the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in September 2008 when I entered Cathedral Seminary Residence of the Immaculate Conception in Douglaston. What helped me take the step to come into the seminary was pray. Prayer is an intimate conversation with the Lord. The only way to find out what God is calling you to do with your life is to listen to Him; this is done in conversation, namely in prayer. I would encourage a young man thinking about the Priesthood to read the lives of the Saints. The saints have much to offer us by the example and their words

For one considering a vocation to the Priesthood of Jesus Christ in our diocese, I would offer some humble suggestions. As I have mention, pray. The next suggestion would be to speak with your parish priest or with any priest about your calling to the priesthood. Lastly, get involved; become active in your parish. A priest is a man of God who works with the people. I was blessed to have so many people praying for and helping me in make the decision to enter the seminary. Just do it!