Fr. Sam Morehead

Year in Seminary: Theology – 4th Year
Age: 28
Home Parish(es): St John the Evangelist, Loveland

What did you do before you entered the seminary?
I was studying broadcasting journalism and leadership at CU-Boulder. Although I greatly enjoyed my time at CU, I felt a strong called to leave the university early, having finished my junior year.

Name one person who influences your decision to go seminary. How did this person encourage you?
It was during my senior year of high school that the thought of the priesthood first started to take form. I was blessed by the good influence of faithful teachers and classmates. One of my favorite English teachers was the first ever to ask me about whether I had considered being a priest. Not only did it make me take my own internal promptings more seriously, but it led me to consider how others might see the signs of a priestly vocation in me already. This was echoed when my prom date asked me the same question a week later.

What was one of the most important things that helped you take the step into seminary?
I made a commitment to a regular prayer life every day, including daily Mass, a daily Rosary, and a daily Holy Hour. I made the point of getting involved in a parish community regularly and finding some way to serve others by working at a parish food bank. Of great importance, I also spoke with priests about the prospect of a priestly vocation and sought their advice.

What do you enjoy most about the seminary?
In addition to the luxury of time dedicated to prayer and coming to know Christ and his will for my life better at the seminary, I have been extremely blessed by the brotherhood of the seminary. The outstanding fraternity I have found among completely different, yet like-minded, men has helped me grow in the Christian life, in virtue, and in a sure conviction of my priestly vocation over the years. I have made many of my best friends in the seminary.

Describe your relationship with the Blessed Mother.
The Blessed Virgin Mary plays an essential role in my life, as a Christian and as a future priest. I have been blessed with an ever-deepening relationship with Our Lady over the years. She first captured my heart in a serious way when I was in high school. Now, as I prepare for ordination, my heart is all hers. From the day I first submitted my application to the seminary to each morning anew, I have recommitted my life and vocation to the intercession and protection of Mary. Every man needs a good woman in his life; for me, this is Mary without a doubt.