Reverend Sean Koehr

Theology IV
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
St. John the Evangelist Parish

Read the Arlington Catholic Herald article on Fr. Sean Koehr.

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

I graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where I was training to become a naval officer in the NROTC scholarship program. I dropped out of the NROTC program in order to attend seminary, and I later commissioned as an officer in the Chaplain Corps. I hope to serve my 4-year commitment to the military as a Navy chaplain after seminary.

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

My friendship with Fr. James Searby has influenced me the most. Seeing his constant naturalness, joy, and generosity in living his vocation has helped me get to know Christ and makes me want to give my life to God as priest.

Why do you want to be a priest?

I want to fight for the Church by bringing the Truth and the Sacraments to the diocese and the world.

What are your favorite pastimes?

Laughing with people, traveling, listening to music, and talking with family and friends.

What is your favorite quote?

"Don't let your life be barren. Be useful. Make yourself felt. Shine forth with the torch of your faith and your love. With your apostolic life, wipe out the trail of filth and slime left by the corrupt sowers of hatred. And set aflame all the ways of the earth with the fire of Christ that you bear in your heart." - St. Josemaría Escrivá

Who is your favorite Saint and why?

St. Josemaría Escrivá - It was through his writings and the spirit of Opus Dei that I came to internalize the calling of the Christian faith.

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

Be generous and live a plan of life. Put yourself in front of Jesus, and he will do most of the work. Know that whatever vocation you are called to, you are first called to be a saint. Strive to be a saint first, and whatever particular vocation you have will not only be clear, but you will also want it more than anything else.