Reverend Jonathan Bennett

Mount St. Mary's Seminary
Mount St. Mary's University
St. Agnes

Read about Fr. Bennett's journey to the priesthood.

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

After graduating high school from The Heights in 2006, I coached lacrosse there; then I volunteered with the Fire Department in Laytonsville, MD, and worked for a fire protection company servicing the metropolitan area.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

Since I was twelve, I've experienced an attraction to the priesthood that was fostered by holy men in my life. Men like my grandfather and faithful priests I knew prompted a longing I could not describe. This longing was soon described most eloquently by our bishop while I was on retreat. His words invigorated my faith, which led me to apply for priestly formation.

Why do you want to be a priest?

I want to be a priest because I want to bring Christ to others, to show the world what it means to be a Christian through service and prayer, and most importantly through the sacraments.

What are your favorite pastimes?

I enjoy fishing, hunting, barbecuing, and socializing with friends and family.

What is your favorite quote?

“Don't say, “That's the way I am - it's my character.” It's your lack of character. Esto vir! - Be a man!” -Saint Josemaria Escriva-

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

I have many favored Saints, but one who is close to my heart is Saint Josemaria Escriva de Balaguer. Saint Josemaria was a model for every man. He would describe the means of salvation through the daily mundane tasks of life, explaining that once can sanctify their work if these tasks are performed out of faithfulness and true charity-no matter who they are.

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

I would tell a young man to be still and enter into the silence of Our Lord, to shed the distractions of the world, where one can listen with the ear of their heart and be receptive to His will.