Reverend Robert C. Renner

Fr. Robert Renner was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ June 4, 2022.

Read the Arlington Catholic Herald interview with Fr. Renner.

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

I studied geography at the University of Mary Washington and spent my summers working as a backcountry guide.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

I want to be the best man I can be. If God is everything we profess, then He has a plan for how each of us is supposed to live life to the full. After making myself vulnerable in my relationship with Him and opening myself up to His love, I then began to discern what His plan for my life could be. After the suggestion and daily priestly witness of Fr. Vacarro, I began to discern entering the seminary.

Why do you want to be a priest?

I want to be a priest because that is what I have so far discerned my vocation to be. I want to give all of myself and share Christ's love with all. If the mission of every Christian is to make disciples, what better way to do that than as mediator of that sacramental grace. By living out my vocation I will not only be best glorifying God but happiest.

What are your favorite pastimes?

I like to hike, backpack, climb, play soccer and canoe. God created us a great playground and I like to use it.

What is your favorite quote?

" " -St. Joseph

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

Pope Saint John Paul II because I share his love of the outdoors and love to see Christ in the beauty of the natural world. Going into the backcountry we can encounter Christ in a refreshing way, and grow in relationship with Him by living in his artwork away from the distractions and lies that help us lose our identity in Christ.

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

Know that first we have a universal vocation to holiness. There is absolutely nothing but yourself that is preventing you from living out prayer and heroic virtue. Then, give the seminary a visit and talk with some seminarians and Fr Jaffe. Discernment is active; while living out holiness take steps to understand what God might have in store for you.