Nathan McCabe

What city are you from?

Centennial, CO

What is your home parish?

Church of the Risen Christ

How old are you?

19 years old

How did the Lord call you to seminary?

I first heard the Lord’s call when I was in 3rd grade as an altar server at Sts. Peter and Paul Parish. I was in the presence of two great priests and the Lord placed the desire on my heart to follow in their footsteps. As I grew older the thoughts of the priesthood were still present and I ignored them for several years. Then I met a young seminarian, now Fr. John Nepil, and he encouraged me to visit St. John Vianney College Seminary in St. Paul, MN. I visited and the Lord gave me an incredible peace and affirmation in prayer that I should give seminary a try.

What led you to discern your vocation?

My first two years of high school I fell away from my faith and tried to ignore the thoughts of the priesthood as much as possible. My parents and youth minister encouraged me to go on a retreat that would be followed by the Steubenville of the Rockies conference. I agreed to go on the retreat and ended up having an incredible experience. The Lord touched my life in a very personal encounter in prayer which dramatically changed my life. Because of this metanoia, I decided my goal in life was to be a saint and knew that I would have to continue developing a personal prayer life. When I came home and prayed, the Lord revealed to me in prayer that he wanted me to transfer to a Catholic school and the desire for the priesthood returned. I then began to discern more intensely.

How did you discern your vocation?

I began discerning my vocation through prayer, talking to priests and seminarians about the priesthood, and by visiting seminary. Since I have been in seminary the Lord has placed little affirmations in my life to lead me to believe I am on the right path.

What excites you most about the priesthood?

The priesthood excites me because it is a profound life of service and sacrifice a life completely devoted to getting God’s people to heaven. I am specifically looking forward to saying mass and hearing confessions.

What are you most excited for in college seminary?

I am excited to continue my priestly formation and get to know more men who are discerning. I am also excited to take some awesome classes that aren’t offered in major seminary.

What is your favorite devotion?

My favorite devotion is to Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati. He was an inspiring model of a Catholic young person that actively lived out their faith. I also admire his sense of humor and the way he used the gifts God had given him.

What interests & hobbies do you have?

I enjoy reading, ultimate Frisbee, photo editing, and playing cards.

Are you related to any priests or religious?

No.

Anything else you would like to add?

Thank you so much for your prayers! I will keep you in mine!