Thomas Rees

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Propaedeutic year

Seminary: Saint Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach, FL

Birth date: 5/4/1998

Home parish: Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral, Raleigh

High school: Union Grove High School, Union Grove, Wisconsin

Hobbies: weightlifting, rowing, video games, coding, reading, walking, pickleball, and biking

Who influenced / inspired you to priesthood: Monsignor Brockman, my Cathedral young adult groups, Father Joshua, and many others

What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation: Ask yourself these questions: Does something draw me to the priesthood? Who is God to me, what has He done for me, and how can I respond to Him in the greatest way? Remember, Jesus has won the complete victory in His life, death, resurrection, and ascension, so do not worry about the final destination! Instead, think about how you can best live out that victory every day and the next best step to do so. Thinking too much about steps beyond the next will only create more anxiety, so be at peace living in the present. Learn how to live well, including prayer, work/school, friendships, family, and having fun. Make choices and you will gain clarity with time.

Favorite scripture passage: "But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart." - Luke 2:19 (RSV)

Favorite saint: St. Thérèse of Lisieux