Andrew D'Andrea

Theology I
Mount St. Mary's Seminary
The Catholic University of America
St. John the Baptist Parish

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

I was homeschooled from kindergarten all the way through high school and just graduated from high school last May. In my last Spring semester, I took statistical reasoning at Lord Fairfax Community College and worked part time at Virginia International Academy as a dorm parent, while finishing up high school. Just this past summer I worked as an assistant coach for a flag football camp.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

There are many things and people that have influenced me to apply for seminary, but in particular, at an important time in my life, I picked up a little booklet called Is Jesus Calling You to be a Catholic Priest?, and brought it into adoration. While reading it, I understood more and more that God has a plan for me. If I only trust in him and live for him, I can live that life he has always called me to. At that time, I felt a strong call to the life of the priesthood.

Why do you want to be a priest?

I want to be a priest, because I want to bring people to Jesus, and Jesus to people. I feel a strong call and a great desire, and I believe the best way for me to do that is to live my life as a priest. Most of all, with God's power and grace I will be able to distribute the sacraments for the salvation of souls!

What are your favorite pastimes?

I enjoy playing sports, mostly Basketball, Football, Soccer, and Baseball. Also, I enjoy hanging out with friends and playing board games.

What is your favorite quote?

"The world offers you comfort, but you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness." - Pope Benedict XVI

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

My favorite Saint and Confirmation Saint is St. Dominic Savio. St. Dominic was a student at the Oratory that St. John Basco made for poor boys. When He died, at the age of 14, all the boys at the Oratory and people around him said, “He is a Saint!” He gained great perfection at such a young age. I am especially drawn to him because of his great purity and many virtues. 

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?

Two words: Prayer and Sacraments. Receive the Sacraments everyday and be faithful to prayer especially with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament. To grow in your prayer and spiritual life find a holy spiritual director to meet with regularly.

Is there anything else about yourself that you would like to share?

I'm the youngest of four children. When I was young I enjoyed playing Mass with grape juice and bread wearing a tablecloth. I've been an altar server since I was 7 years old. One of my first and favorite jobs was working at my parish.