Paul Rhee

Theology I
Mount St. Mary's Seminary
Virginia Tech
St. Paul Chung Parish

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

I went to college for one year. I was also very involved with my parish youth group during high school and college.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

A powerful confession during my freshman year of high school really made me realize the importance of God and faith and how I needed to put them first in my life. This event led to daily prayer, which, combined with good holy priests who became my spiritual directors, lead to recognizing a desire for the priesthood that the Lord put into my heart. After almost five years of discernment, the seminary and the priesthood became something that I could not put off, I needed to try it out.

Why do you want to be a priest?

Firstly, if this vocation is the calling that God gifted to me at my baptism then I want to discern and find out because doing the will of God is the greatest journey of all and I want to be a saint. Secondly, I want to be a holy and loving priest of Christ. Giving the sacraments (especially confession), being an instrument of God's love, and being a bridge to God and hopefully heaven for others on their walk to become a saint.

What are your favorite pastimes?

I really enjoy just talking with and being around my family and friends, discussing the Catholic faith, playing piano, listening to various podcasts and music, and gaming.

What is your favorite quote?

“Do not try to please everybody. Try to please God, the angels, and the saints. They are your public.” St. John Vianney

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

The Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Paul. Not much needs to be said of her, Mary is one of the greatest gifts that the Lord has given to his children on earth. Her motherly love, presence, and guidance is truly an assured way to grow closer to the Holy Trinity. She has been and continues to be so influential and necessary in my life in all its aspects. St. Paul is my baptismal and confirmation saint, and his conversion story was the most profound aspect of his life for me, it shows that the past doesn't dictate our future and with God's love and mercy, there is hope. 

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

Prayer and be around holy priests, particularly get a spiritual director who is right for you. Without prayer a person cannot listen and spend time with God because speaks a lot to us in prayer, we just need to be open and listen. Being around holy priests helps a person see the life and genuineness of what a priest of Jesus Christ is supposed to be. Lastly, don't be afraid, doing the will of God is the greatest adventure there is.