Meet New Seminarian Denny Daugherty

Denny is from St. Catharine of Siena Parish

Denny Daugherty, age 54, is a Columbus St. Catharine parishioner who entered seminary in August, 2009 at Blessed John XXIII National Seminary in Weston, Massachusetts.

Smooth Transition to Seminary

Denny said the transition to seminary was fairly smooth and that seminary had already become his “home away from home.”
“It is great to be here and to pray with the other men, the faculty, the holy priests, and interact with the other guys—even the food is good. There is really nothing here that is unsatisfactory,” said Denny.
He said that he feels peace in seminary. “Four years may not seem like a long time to be in seminary, but it is enough to discern. They are really good about indoctrinating you into the regimen of seminary slowly; it is a good pace.”

Blessed John XXIII National Seminary

Blessed John XXIII National Seminary has 58 seminarians and 20 are in their first year.
The mission of this seminary is formation of candidates between the ages of 30 and 60. According to the rector, it is the only seminary for mature candidates which is administered by diocesan priests.
Prior to starting seminary, Denny did computer work at Banc One for 17 years, took some time off to visit Europe, did some home rehab work with his brother, and was a substitute middle school teacher at Lancaster St. Mary.

Active Volunteer in the Parish

Denny has always been active in the teaching side of the Church: Adult Faith Formation, RCIA, Religious Education, and Bible Study. “I pray to be able to articulate the faith through catechesis.”
In December, 2008 Denny had a job opportunity to help the poor that fell through; this experience prompted him to focus more on discerning his vocation.
“I began hearing a call to the priesthood. Everybody – family and friends said they could see that in me a long time ago,” said Denny.
Overall, he has felt quite comfortable answering this call from God. “Sometimes I question myself or have certain fears, but I think that is normal. I am feeling very positive and I will get to work for God and that is amazing!”

Seminary Formation

The seminary stresses the four pillars of formation: human, spiritual, academic, and pastoral. “I think it is the right amount of academic work and I am learning a lot, reading, studying, and praying,” said Denny.
They are also encouraged to exercise regularly and Denny tries to walk as much as possible.

Grateful for the Community Life in Seminary

On the spiritual side, Denny is especially grateful for prayer in community with the other men each day. “It is a new dynamic for me. Praying the Liturgy of the Hours in community is a real blessing. Day in and day out, we pray and enjoy the rhythm, the peace, and the holiness of being together.”