Rev. Mr. Timothy Banach

Theology III
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary
University of Virginia
St. Charles Borromeo Parish

What did you do prior to entering seminary?

After graduating from UVA, I worked for a large consulting company for just short of three years. My clients included a health insurance company and several government agencies. 

What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?

My experiences at UVA and later in Arlington influenced my decision to apply. I had a second conversion experience when I was a college student, where I sought to know God personally through His son Jesus. Through my involvement with FOCUS, I was around other young men who were considering the priesthood, and I naturally began to question whether I was also called. After moving to Arlington, I began to seriously consider seminary for the Diocese of Arlington following a homily given by Fr. Dyer about his vocation to the diocesan priesthood.

Why do you want to be a priest?

I want to be a priest so that I can preach the truth of the Gospel and administer the sacraments, and by doing so save souls.

What are your favorite pastimes?

I enjoy backpacking, fishing, canoeing/kayaking; in general the outdoors. I also enjoy playing the mandolin.

What is your favorite quote?

"Jesus I trust in You" - Jesus' message to St. Faustina, which is inscribed under the Image of Divine Mercy.

Who is your favorite saint and why?

It is difficult for me to pick from Saints Faustina, Mother Teresa, Therese of Lisieux, and John Paul II. But since I have to pick one, St. Therese of Lisieux. I am still unpacking her "little way," and the fact that she is both a doctor of the Church and a patron saint of missionaries is inspiring, given that she was a cloistered nun who died at the age of 24.

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

My advice would be to get a spiritual director, make a visit to the seminary, and attend a diocesan vocation retreat. If you have done these things and you are still thinking about the seminary but haven't asked for the application, consider that the "perfect time" to apply may never come. The ask will be a leap of faith.