Justin Doerr

Year in Seminary: College
Age: 19
Home Parish(es): Holy Name: Steamboat Springs

At what point in your life did your faith come alive? How did this happen?
In 7th grade my mom asked if I wanted to go see The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe with the youth group at Holy Name. After a few years of not going to catechism, I decided to go and I really enjoyed myself. I started to attend youth group regularly and actually listened. At this point, God scattered the seed of faith upon my heart and I began to respond generously to his promptings.

Name one person who influences your decision to go seminary. How did this person encourage you?
My Aunt Kathy. When I would stay at her house she always encouraged me to learn about my faith and gave me the materials to do so. She also provided me with a number of novels describing the lives of the saints. Their lives inspired me and set me on fire for the faith, putting the idea of a vocation into my mind.

How do you like to spend your free time?
It’s wonderful to set aside some time to be alone with Christ. It’s also great to engage in some of the various sports we play at seminary. Both are relaxing and full of grace.

What would be your one piece of advice for a young man discerning his vocation?
Be patient. Unlike St. Paul, very few of us are knocked off of our horses and given clear instructions. Most of us are more like Elijah-God speaks to us in a whisper. Often, that whisper takes a long time to discern.

Describe your relationship with the Blessed Mother.
Without our Blessed Mother, I would be in a lot of trouble. My relationship with her gave me the strength to return to the sacrament of confession when I was beginning the process of my conversion, and she continues to bless my life with her help, constantly bringing me towards Christ and consoling me when my cross is hardest to bear.