Called to Serve, Formed to Lead
Stories of Faith, Service, and Vocation from St. Peter’s Graduates
At St. Peter’s Seminary, formation is more than academic – it’s a journey of the heart, mind, and soul. Whether lay or ordained, each graduate carries forward a unique calling shaped through deep discernment, theological study, and pastoral experience. In these stories, you’ll meet alumni who have gone on to serve in parishes, hospitals, classrooms, and communities -living witnesses to the mission of the Church in our world today. Their paths may differ, but they share one foundation: a formation rooted in faith.
Real Stories. Personal Callings.
Because God calls ordinary people to extraordinary paths.
Every vocation journey is different – but each begins with the same question: Is God calling me?
Here are a few of the inspiring stories of men and women who took the next step in faith and found their path to purpose, peace, and service.
Father Mathew Sawyer (Master of Divinity Advanced Degree)
How one young boy’s love for the Mass became a lifelong call to serve.
Father Matthew Sawyer’s story traces a winding path from altar server to Priest.
Caroline Dupuis (Pastoral Ministry Certificate)
“God doesn’t ask us for the map, only for our yes.”
Despite uncertainty about where this would lead, Caroline Dupuis knew she needed to begin. Now she supports many others on the path.
Laura Godts (Master of Theological Studies Degree)
An unlikely friendship reopened the door to faith for Laura.
Laura reflects on her journey from doubting and frustration to faith. Read more about how her path lead her to St. Peter’s seminary.
Nikita Ariganello (Master of Divinity Degree)
Finding faith beyond obligation. Feeling supported at St. Peter’s Seminary.
Nikita shares her experience. A story of listening for God’s call – and learning to trust where it leads.
Kathryn Heemskerk (Pastoral Ministry Certificate)
“The Holy Spirit was nudging me to step out of my comfort zone.”
Despite doubts and age concerns, Kathryn enrolled in the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry – and found it was exactly what she needed.
Brian Hanley (Permanent Diaconate)
“It was a call to serve – not just in the Church, but in all of life.”
How one man’s childhood dream, rekindled by love and community, led him to a deeper calling in the Church.
Cathy Schertzberg Smith (Master of Divinity Degree)
Her journey began with a question- “what if?” – and unfolded into a deeply personal call to serve, learn, and guide others in faith.
Read more about Cathy’s journey.
Jane Phillipson (Master of Theological Study Degree)
Called Deeper: A Catholic Educator’s Unexpected Path to Theological Formation
How one woman’s desire for understanding became a call to witness, teach, and lead.
Father Marc Gaudet (F.i.R.M.)
Recent Graduate of St. Peter’s Seminary, Father Marc Gaudet, speaks about the benefits of F.i.R.M.
He shares his experience in a video testimonial.
“Put out into deep water, and let down your nets for a catch.” - Luke 5: 4
Graduate Experiences
St. Peter's Seminary of London Ontario Graduates share their experience.
“In the work of formation some convictions reveal themselves as particularly necessary and fruitful. First of all, there is a conviction that one cannot offer a true and effective formation to others if the individual has not taken on or developed a personal responsibility for formation: this, in fact, is essentially a “formation of self.”
Christifideles Laici (63)
Fr. Matthew Sawyer
Vocation Story - Master of Theological Studies Degree (Advanced)
Father Matthew Sawyers Story.
God’s Call: A Voice That Never Fades
Father Matthew Sawyer’s story traces a winding path from altar server to priest, showing how God’s call endures through every season.
A Childhood Enchanted by the Mystery of the Mass
My name is Father Matthew Sawyer. I was born in Stratford, Ontario, and grew up in Mitchell with my parents and sister. From the very beginning, my parents knew how important the Catholic faith was, and they made sure it was part of our daily life. Prayer, stories about the saints, and Sunday Mass were central to my childhood.
Unlike some children, going to Mass never felt like a chore-I loved it. The vestments, the music, the liturgy-it all drew me in. I begged to become an altar server as soon as I could, and after my First Communion, I finally got my chance. Being at the altar gave me a front-row seat to the mystery of the Mass and planted the first seeds of a vocation.
Continue to Read Fr. Sawyer's Story
When the Call Became Impossible to Ignore
I still remember being in Grade 3 and telling my teacher that I wanted to be a priest. Of course, firefighter and police officer were also on the list-but the priesthood always held a special place in my heart. As I grew, my interests widened-drama, hospitality, and community service-but my love for the Mass never faded. Throughout High School, I was introduced to faith-based events by a youth minister in a neighbouring parish and attended events like COR (Christ in Others Retreat), Lift Jesus Higher Rallies, and the Steubenville Youth Conference. All these events helped me in digging into my faith, realizing that there was more to Mass and our Faith than just serving the altar.
Interestingly, it was at a youth group in an evangelical church, where my best friend invited me, that the call to priesthood became undeniable. One evening we talked about servant leadership, and it hit me: this is what priesthood is about. The youth minister prayed with me, and from then on, I could no longer ignore the call. I realized priesthood was the perfect way to unite my love for Christ with my desire to serve people.
The Detours, Struggles, and Lessons Along the Way
In 2011, I entered St. Peter’s Seminary after attending a Come and See weekend. From the very start, the community felt like “home.” Still, my journey was not without challenges. The academics were tough, and living in community was a big adjustment. By my second year, I was struggling so much and in different ways that I stepped back from formation and focused on finishing my Philosophy degree at King’s University College.
Yet the call never left me. In 2018, I returned to formation at St. Peter’s to begin earning my Theology degree. I carried some self-doubt with me, but this time I was more mature and better prepared. I also learned humility-especially in asking for support. With the help of a spiritual director and the seminary’s human formation counsellor, I discovered the importance of mental health, self-care, and balance. Long walks, painting, exercise, prayer, and friendship became lifelines. Through these struggles, my prayer life deepened, especially through Eucharistic adoration. Prayer was no longer something I simply did-it became who I was.
From Seminary Halls to Parish Life
On April 27, 2024, I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of London. I now serve at the Lucan Northwest London Family of Parishes. Transitioning from seminary to parish life has been exciting, humbling, and full of new learning. One of my first experiences as a priest was walking with families through end-of-life situations-moments that called on compassion, self-knowledge, and presence.
I love the rhythm of parish life: visiting schools, celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, and being with parishioners young and old. They give me energy, and I see Christ working in their lives every day. To stand at the altar now, on the other side, and witness people not only coming to Mass but coming to Christ-it makes every challenge and struggle on the journey worthwhile.
God’s Call: A Voice That Never Fades
If I’ve learned anything, it’s that God’s call never really lets go. The road to priesthood isn’t always straight or easy, but every step draws you closer to the One who calls. If you feel even the smallest stirring of God’s call in your heart, don’t be afraid to explore it-you may find, as I did, that He has been preparing you for something greater than you could ever imagine.
Caroline Dupuis
Vocation Story - Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Program
Caroline Dupuis’s Story
“God doesn’t ask us for the map, only for our yes.”
Despite doubts and concerns, Caroline enrolled in the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry – and was very happy she did.
Continue to Read Caroline's Story
When I enrolled in the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry at St. Peter’s Seminary, I wasn’t sure where it would lead. I only knew I felt God nudging me to begin. I thought the program would simply prepare me for a role in pastoral ministry. What I discovered was so much more, and it changed the course of my life.
At St. Peter’s, I found not only excellent teaching and formation, but also a community who supported me, prayed with me, and inspired me. The courses deepened my understanding of faith and ministry, and the setting itself, immersed in prayer and faith, gave me the courage to say yes to God in new ways. The friendships I formed and the wisdom of faculty and mentors continue to sustain me. That foundation opened doors I never expected.
After graduation, God led me to study Spiritual Direction at Loyola House in Guelph, where I learned how to accompany people in discovering God’s presence in their lives. From there, new ministries blossomed. I completed a three-year program in Senior Adult Ministry through the Johnson Institute, which helped me respond to the deep hunger among seniors who often feel overlooked. Out of this work grew Wings of Grace, a book now under review with Novalis, as well as weekly podcast reflections to help others begin their day with prayer and hope.
And the journey continues. This October, I will begin chaplaincy formation at Newman University, another step, another yes. I don’t yet know where it may lead, but I trust God will open the right doors in His time.
Through it all, I return again and again to Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to give you a future and a hope.” St. Peter’s Seminary was where I first dared to trust that promise, and where God built the foundation for everything that followed.
If you are wondering whether this program is for you, I encourage you: don’t wait until you know the ending. Say yes to the first step. In the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry, you will grow in faith, meet companions for the journey, and receive a formation that will serve you wherever God leads. The journey doesn’t end with graduation, it only begins.
Bio
Caroline Dupuis completed the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry at St. Peter’s Seminary and later trained as a Spiritual Director at Loyola House, Ignatius Jesuit Centre, in Guelph, Ontario. She also completed a three-year program in Senior Adult Ministry through the Johnson Institute. Her ministry includes accompanying seniors, writing Wings of Grace (now under review with Novalis), and sharing weekly podcast reflections. She will begin chaplaincy formation at Newman University in October 2025.
Laura Godts
Vocation Story - Master of Theological Studies Degree Program
Laura Godts’s Story
“It was through an unlikely friendship I made with Sister Mary Frances and her Supper Club at Brescia that the door to my faith was reopened in a way I would have never expected.”
Laura shares more about her journey to deepening her knowledge and faith.
Continue to Read Laura's Story
Foundations and Early Questions
I am a cradle Catholic who grew up always finding the time to go to Church no matter when Mass was or where we were. Even after attending Catholic school from Kindergarten through Undergrad, I often questioned, and at times, felt angry about aspects of the faith that didn’t make sense to me. As a young adult, the Church often felt more like a wall than a welcoming door. It was through an unlikely friendship I made with Sister Mary Frances and her Supper Club at Brescia that the door to my faith was reopened in a way I would have never expected.
Encounters that Opened Doors
When Undergrad was coming to an end, I was unsure of what I wanted to do next in my life. Despite not always living on Brescia’s campus, I continued to meet up with Sister Mary Frances, and it was her who encouraged me to look into the M.Div program. We spent many hours in conversation about faith, which deeply interested me. Sister Mary Frances greatly impacted my faith journey and she helped me to better understand what it meant to be a religious person but also an active lay person.
After thinking and praying on what she had said, I entered St. Peter’s Seminary in the M.Div program. That year opened up a flood of questions for me and it sparked a deeper desire to learn, even though I had grown up Catholic. During the first year, we were placed in field-education in a school. It was there that I worked with the Chaplain at a local school, and I witnessed faith being shared but I also began to recognize what the next step was for me in my life.
Teaching Ministry and Growth
I left the Seminary for two years to complete my teaching degree and once finished, I came back with a desire to learn even more. I switched to the M.T.S program, where I felt a new spark when reflecting on the role of young people in the Church and the wider community. I slowly worked through completing my degree in the evening. This wasn’t always easy but it was incredibly fruitful and allowed for great personal growth. Now I have been teaching for six years. I truly love to teach my students about faith in a way that will spark their interest, make them ask questions and want to learn more. Through this, my students were exposed to and made connections with some people who were in the process of becoming a priest.
Over the past few years, there have been many people who have encouraged me to become more involved in the Church community, they saw a spark but I just needed a nudge to get it going. A parish priest of mine invited me to help with Sacramental Prep and then RCIA and Alpha. Through the encouragement of the Pastoral Minister who recognized my teaching background, I began teaching both children and adults. Their impact and the conversations have encouraged me to ask why and not be afraid to offer my gifts.
Living a Lifelong Vocation
The programs at the Seminary were incredibly flexible and understanding of my work schedule. This flexibility and support of the Seminary community helped me complete the program. The professors and staff always found a way to help and encourage me to meet the requirements on time, especially when I was looking to take a class each term. I formed a number of lasting and meaningful relationships while I was at St. Peter’s Seminary. God always had a plan for me and it was never one or the other, teaching or learning.
Towards the end of my time at St. Peter’s, I was often asked ‘So now what?’ For me, there is no end to learning, growing and discovering new opportunities. I see this in parish ministries, in gatherings of young people, and in my role as a teacher. I want my students to see that Christ can be a part of everyday life, not just in Church. To witness Christ is to see that God’s love can be found everywhere. Taking the first step to learn more about our faith is often the hardest part but it opens us to the deeper ‘why’ behind what we believe and do as Roman Catholic Christians.
Nikita Ariganello
Vocation Story - Master of Divinity Degree Program
Nikita Ariganello’s Story
“What drew me to St. Peter’s Seminary to complete my Master of Divinity was being drawn to work with and help people.”
An honest reflection on faith, vocation, and discovering God along an unexpected path.
Continue to Read Nikita's Story
Finding Faith Beyond Obligation
Like all children, my faith was shaped by my family’s beliefs and values, which made little space for further spiritual exploration and finding my own faith journey. One thing that did seem to be consistent was this gravitation back to Christ and Christianity. I remember there was a point in my teens and early adult life where I felt like I needed a break from religion and church, to find my own relationship with God. My parents would lecture my siblings and I on the importance of attending church and having this relationship with God, but it felt very much forced like a chore. It was during this journey and self-exploration, I found myself gravitating back to God, on my own terms in what felt like an open and loving relationship, rather than one forced out of guilt. My parents raised me in different denominations of Christianity throughout the years, eventually becoming Pentecostal. Today, after my own journey, I identify as non-denominational Christian. I always found a beauty in the history and ritual practices of Catholicism. My husband is a non-practising Roman Catholic. My time at St. Peter’s Seminary allowed me to continue discerning my own faith journey and really solidified my own relationship with God. I was welcomed within the St. Peter’s Seminary community, where not only did I learn, but was able to take part and share in ecumenism. What we have in common is this deep, natural love for God.
A Calling Revealed Through Discernment
What drew me to St. Peter’s Seminary to complete my Master of Divinity was being drawn to work with and help people. I found myself in my final year of my bachelor’s at King’s College University, where I originally wanted to pursue law, but during a political science trip to Ethiopia, had discerned that I was likely on a different path. While at St. Peter’s Seminary, I was curious about the work the seminarians were doing that I looked into doing one of my field educations through a CPE unit at the Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health. It’s through this opportunity that led me wanting to combine my passion for spirituality and mental health, as I had family members experiencing their own mental health challenges. It’s what eventually led me to complete more schooling to become a Registered Psychotherapist. I absolutely love my work and where my vocation has taken me. I currently see clients virtually through a private clinic and work for a local agency that supports youth and their families through the Youth Justice System. In my work, I am able to support clients with their mental health, but as well, I am able to support clients on their own faith or spiritual journeys, whether that is God, Creator or creating deeper purpose and meaning. As I am present with clients, I reflect what it means to be a Christian through my work, such as being able to attentively listen, provide empathy, compassion and support, and being able to provide a non-judgemental space, meeting client where they are at, no matter where they may be coming from.
Being Formed by Community and Belonging
I will be forever grateful to Bernardine Ketelaars and the staff who supported me throughout my time at St. Peter’s Seminary. Though some things were unfamiliar to me, the community was very supportive, accommodating and understanding that I was coming from a different faith community.
Trusting God Through the Unknown
I learned along the way to put my trust in God. There were times where I wasn’t sure exactly where I was going, but learned to trust that I would end up exactly where I needed to be. Like most people, there were many challenges over the years, but I am grateful for the relationship I have with God, grounding me through the good, bad, the chaotic and the calm.
Kathryn Heemskerk
Vocation Story - Certificate in Pastoral Ministry Program
Kathryn Heemskerk’s Story
“The Holy Spirit was nudging me to step out of my comfort zone.”
Despite doubts and age concerns, Kathryn enrolled in the Certificate in Pastoral Ministry – and found it was exactly what she needed.
Continue to Read Kathryn's Story
Walking in Faith, One Step at a Time
My name is Kathryn Heemskerk. I am 44 years old, mother of four and a supply teacher in the public elementary board. I am an active member of St. Mary’s parish in Tillsonburg, Ontario. This month, I entered the second year of three at St. Peter’s Seminary in the Certificate of Pastoral Ministry program. I am not at the beginning, nor the end, just trusting God as I put one foot forward in front of the other.
A Patient and Creative God
Of all the names we have for God, the one that captures my heart these days is Creator. Just like there are many different ways to say love and show love, there are many ways that our patient God weaves love into our lives as He pursues us and tries to capture our hearts. My path to this program is a long and winding road, but God has patiently called me till I listened.
I was not born in a Catholic home. I first learned about Jesus from a high school teacher, at a time in my life when everything was going wrong. It literally saved my life. However, I did not stumble on the word Catholic until I entered King’s College, UWO. Here I was going to a Catholic university with Catholic classmates and never heard of the word Catholic! God placed a frosh girl in my life who invited me to join her as she tried to discern whether or not she would return to her faith. While she did not, I found a faith home at St Peter’s Cathedral and joined their RCIA program. I became Catholic April 1990 – 25 years this coming Easter!! (Thanks be to God.)
A Seed Planted, A Call Revisited
When I was young in the faith, I thought about missionary work, but was too scared to believe God could use me. Seven years ago we moved churches, and God again called me. The pastoral minister asked me if I thought I could do her job. I really wanted to say yes, but my husband was working through the loss of his mother’s church, so even though I looked into it, I decided the time was not right. Still, the seed had been planted!
Three years ago, I went to talk to the new priest at our church. Little did I know God had a plan for me! I fell into going for monthly visits because I suddenly realized that I was starving for a deeper faith. I probably asked a thousand questions (poor guy!), read ferociously and prayed deeply. Then I decided to revisit the idea of pastoral ministry. Why? It is through all that life can throw at you, all of the ups and downs, that God can use you at your best. If I have experienced success, failure, moving jobs, job losses, fertility issues and health issues, births, deaths, losses and sorrows unfathomable. God can use all of those things to strengthen my faith, so that I can encourage others who are stumbling and searching and wondering why. Without a shadow of a doubt, I KNOW I am who I am today, because God has been there every step of the way, even when I did not know Him. He created me, loved me, pursued me and wooed me, and I owe my life to Him. If I can be just a wee bit of light and love in the world, He will use that to His glory. I am a passionate believer in Jesus and I know in my heart that God has a plan for me. Is it working in the Church? Maybe. The only thing I know is that wherever God is leading me, I needed more learning to strengthen my faith for the journey.
Strength for the Journey Ahead
The Seminary is an amazing experience. The work is hard, but rewarding. Nothing I learn will ever be a waste. I am growing so much. Sometimes I have growing pains, but a deacon in my church reminds me often that we are only scratching the surface and growing pains are good. The best part of the journey is that I am not alone. Besides those at the Seminary, friends, family and priests stand behind us and cheer us on.
As second year begins, I am so very excited. Just last week, at a conference on evangelization, God reconfirmed for me that I was still going the right direction. With great anticipation I return up to the Seminary and open my heart to all God will show me. Maybe some day you will also be asked to embark on this breathtaking journey closer to Him!
Brian Hanley
Vocation Story - Permanent Diaconate Program
Brian Hanley’s Story
How one man’s childhood dream, rekindled by love and community, led him to a deeper calling in the Church.
A Journey of Faith and Service
How one man’s childhood dream, rekindled by love and community, led him to a deeper calling in the Church.
This is the story of a man whose lifelong connection to the Catholic faith took root in childhood, wavered in young adulthood, and was ultimately reignited in a way that shaped his life, his family, and his vocation. Through his candid reflections, we witness a quiet yet powerful unfolding of God’s call – through marriage, ministry, and formation.
Continue to Read Brian's Story
A Childhood Dream and a Faith Rekindled
I think that all young Catholic boys at one time or another dream of becoming a priest. I remember going to Mass with my parents and thinking, “I want to be like Father O’Neil someday”.
My faith and my Church have always been a big part of my life, but like a lot of youth I wandered away from my faith for a time. Then in 1983, I met the love of my life, Colleen. We started going to my church, where I recaptured my faith listening to a homily by Father Michael Langan about the God of the Galaxies. Colleen and I entered the RCIA process and I was confirmed and Colleen was received into the Church at the Easter Vigil in 1985. Colleen and I were married July 15, 1985 and have raised two wonderful children.
Life in the Parish and a Deeper Call
I am a member of St Mary parish in Tillsonburg. I have been involved in the Knights of Columbus. I am an Extraordinary Minister of Communion and a Lector and a member of the parish Liturgy Committee. I have volunteered with our parish youth ministry and have been a member of our Carmelite community for eight years.
I have always felt that God was asking me to serve Him in another way. I went to an information meeting at my parish about the Diaconate program. I was enthralled with what I heard from the different speakers and felt a voice calling me to fill out an application. After submitting my application, I was invited to attend the first Day of Prayer and Discernment at St. Peter’s Seminary where my wife and I were introduced to other applicants and their wives who felt the same calling. Coming into the Seminary that first day I was welcomed by a candidate who was in his fourth year of formation and who gave me a big hug. I have always felt that the Seminary was like a home filled with brothers and sisters who are on the same spiritual journey.
Formation, Family, and Faith in Action
During my first year of study and formation, I struggled with writing my Reading Logs and Formation Journals because I was challenged expressing my feelings in my writing. With help from my Home Facilitator, I was able to express my personal feelings to grow spiritually and also in my diaconal studies.
This has also helped me form a deeper relationship with my immediate family, especially Colleen, but also with my diaconal study family, both my classmates and the Formation team. The Formation and Study program has allowed me to grow closer to God and to the people around me. Through my journaling, the formation presentations and my prayer time at home and on the formation weekends, I have become comfortable sharing my faith with others and expressing my feelings.
In years II and III, I am taking on a Ministry of Charity weekly visiting a nursing home where at first I thought I would be the face of Christ for them. To my amazement, I found out that they were the face of Christ for me at the same time. I have laughed with them, cried with them and become close friends with them.
Formed by the Spirit, Ready to Serve
Each formation weekend, when I lead Morning or Evening Prayer and share a reflection, I become more confident in knowing that with the help of my Home Facilitators, the Formation Team, my classmates and especially the Holy Spirit, I will become the person God is forming me to be.
I’ve gradually come to realize with the help of my family and friends that God has called me to serve and to be an example for His people and church.
As I say every time I pray, “Here I am, Lord. I come to do your will.”
Cathy Schertzberg Smith’s Story
Vocation Story - Master of Divinity Degree Program
Cathy Schertzberg Smith’s Story
Her journey began with a question- “what if?” – and unfolded into a deeply personal call to serve, learn, and guide others in faith.
Being a part-time student at St. Peter’s Seminary in the Masters of Divinity Program is yet another one of God’s great surprises in my life. My desire to attend university and to grow in my faith has been with me my whole adult life and my presence here at the seminary is the result of their miraculous convergence…
Continue to Read Cathy's Story
The Unanswered Question
After entering college right out of high school, I was left with the nagging question of “what if” about university. Life went on, though, as usual, with other more pressing matters always seeming to get in the way of my ever realizing my dream. Or so I thought.
Led by Grace, One Decision at a Time
In actuality, I was oblivious for some time that the decisions I was making in life were directing me on this very path. My marriage to a Catholic, my conversion to Catholicism ten years later and my earnest involvement in youth ministry, all eventually culminated in my being hired into parish ministry. So for the past twenty-five years I have attempted to read the signs as best that I could to where God was leading me. Knowing when to persevere and stay as well as when to back away and take a new leap into the unknown came from my growing attention to all things of the Church. Through my numerous encounters, I am developing the skill of listening to the nuances of life where God resides. By no means did I always have confidence in the challenges that I took on but I only knew that I would never know the answer to my ‘what ifs’ unless I took the risk.
Appetite for More
During my time serving in parish ministry I acquired a Certificate in both youth ministry and pastoral ministry over a period of about ten years as part of the requirements of the job. This simply whet my appetite for more. So in 2011, after having returned to parish ministry on a part time basis for about three years, I recognized that it was time to move on. It was then that I learned of the possibility of my applying to St. Peter’s Seminary. With God’s grace, my years of experience in ministry plus my certification achieved through continuing education, it appeared that I was getting closer to realizing my long-standing aspiration. Learning of my acceptance into the St. Peter’s Master’s Program filled me with graditute and has become such an unbelievable blessing in my life.
Becoming Part of the Solution
I have also carried, for many years, a hope that I could assist other Catholics in their faith journey, as well. Through my experiences in the parish, I witnessed to the struggles, questioning and longing in others that we all encounter in life. Many times I wished that I could have done more to give people better direction. I wanted to be part of the solution and not the problem when it came to addressing the challenges facing Catholics in the Church today. I came to recognize that this would demand a very strong personal foundation nurtured by authentic knowledge and a discerning faith.
At St. Peter’s I have found both within the welcoming and supportive environment created by students, staff and teachers.
Jane Phillipson
Vocation Story - Master of Theological Studies Degree Program
Jane Phillipson’s Story
“Called Deeper: A Catholic Educator’s Unexpected Path to Theological Formation”
I grew up in a practicing Catholic family, belonged to a vibrant parish and attended Catholic schools from Kindergarten through to first year university. Gradually though, my childhood faith became less able to guide my life through adolescence into young adulthood. Like the proverbial sheep, I became quite lost until I met my future spouse. We both reconnected with the Church as we approached marriage.
Continue to Read Jane's Story
From Tradition to Transformation
I taught for two years in Catholic elementary schools but my faith was shaky, mostly a matter of tradition and familiarity. I didn’t come to adult faith until I was almost 30 years old when a frightening loss sent me searching for understanding and hope.
Encountering Christ Through Community
I will always be grateful to our pastor at the time, Fr. Gilles Surprenant, who was first and foremost a credible witness to the love of Christ. He was open to dialogue about how faith can help us see the difficulties of life in new ways. He recognized a desire for adult learning about Christianity, and took responsibility for integrating the wonderful Alpha Course into our Catholic parish.
Since then my ongoing education in faith has challenged me to grow. I continue to discover exactly what the Church teaches and why. At the same time, I have tested what I have learned to find out its truth. For example, as a young woman I had fears and practical objections to Natural Family Planning which surprisingly gave way to hidden gifts of freedom, peace and joy. Adult faith education is an invitation to continual conversion, both intellectual and personal.
A Litany of Learning and Grace
Wonderful witnesses and mentors have accompanied my 20+ years of adult education; from the Alpha Course to learning Ignatian Meditation, from the Sisters of St. Joseph’s Certificate in Faith Development Facilitation to Saint Paul’s University’s Summer Institute in Religious Education, and most recently St. Peter’s Seminary’s graduate level theological education. I could compose my own litany of the “saints”, for the many catechists, mentors and companions whose stories and gentle presence have helped my learning take root. In the words of St. Paul, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Romans 10:15)
You may have reasonable questions about the financial costs in discerning whether the M.T.S. or M.Div. programs are for you. Studying part-time has made it more affordable and there are also bursaries available. At one point, when I felt my studies were a burden on our family income, we received an unexpected tax refund that covered my tuition that year. My experience has been that beyond our reasonable planning, God has encouraged and provided for my education.
Becoming a Witness to Christ
The most common question my husband and I have had to face about my studies at the Seminary has been, “What are you planning to do with that degree?” We have had to tailor our response since there is a fair bit of mystery in the plan of God for our lives. I have mentioned paths to parish ministry, diocesan leadership, chaplaincy, spiritual direction and writing, but ultimately my hope is to become a better witness to Christ. To help others experience God’s love and begin to understand the rational foundations of our faith; the why behind the “what” we believe and do as Roman Catholic Christians.
If you have any questions about my experience in the M.T.S. program, please feel free to contact me through the Seminary.
Jane Phillipson
Graduate Experience
Recent Graduate of St. Peter’s Seminary, Father Marc Gaudet, speaks about the benefits of F.i.R.M.