Luke Lenhard

Propaedeutic Year
Mount St. Mary's Seminary
Belmont Abbey College
Saint Jude Parish

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

I worked at Chick-fil-A during high school and after graduating, I attended Germanna Community College for two years. I then transferred to Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina where I obtained a bachelor's degree in Theology. Additionally, I volunteered for several years at the St. Matthews Food Pantry in Fredericksburg and helped provide background music (guitar) for three 48-Hour Film Projects.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

I've always had a strong desire to learn more about my Catholic faith. So, while attending Germanna, I joined a Bible study at the University of Mary Washington Catholic Campus Ministry. This really helped to deepen my faith and only affirmed that I wanted to transfer to a Catholic college in order to study theology. During my last year at Belmont Abbey College, at SEEK 2022, I was praying and knew that I needed to answer the call to the priesthood and not ignore it anymore.

Why do you want to become a priest?

I want to become a priest because I want to do the Lord's will. The Lord has always been the most important person in my life. He Himself states, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born, I consecrated you” (Jeremiah 1:5). Every step I've taken He was there, every step I take He takes with me, every future step we take will be together. That's the life I want to live and share with others; a life walking with the Lord in everything and at every moment.

What are your favorite pastimes?

I love playing guitar, taking long walks, playing soccer, reading, watching movies, and praying the Rosary. I also enjoy watching anime and having theological discussions. When time permits, I like spending time with family and friends, but I also like time to myself to re-center and pray.

What is your favorite quote?

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior” - The Virgin Mary (Luke 1:46-47)

What is your favorite Saint and why?

Besides the Virgin Mary, my favorite saint is St. Paul. He is the perfect example of how the mercy of God can reach anyone. Jesus says, “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). St. Paul's life shows us how far God's willing to go to save a soul.

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

Remember that doubts are part of the process. Put yourself at the foot of the cross and bring those doubts to Jesus. Understand that it's not an offense to the Lord to take your time discerning if this is what you're called to. He is gentle, loving and patient as one discerns. Finally, pray - and don't be too hard on yourself.