October 14, 2011

Seminarian profile

Christopher Droste enthusiastic for ‘new life’

Christopher Droste
Theology III
St. Meinrad School of Theology
E-mail: cdroste@saintmeinrad.edu
Birthday: May 10, 1980
Home Parish: St. James, Haubstadt
Parents: Rita Droste, Jack Droste, Evansville

Education and Formation

When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? I began my formal studies for the priesthood at Marian University in the fall of 2007 until fall 2008. I studied abroad at the University of St. Thomas (Angelicum) in the spring of 2009. I am currently studying theology at St. Meinrad. My formal education began at St. James Church in Haubstadt and continued through high school at Mater Dei. I have also studied at the University of Evansville and USI.

What other formation programs or processes have you completed? Clinical Pastor Experience at the University of Chicago Medical Center in the summer of 2011. Parish internship at Sacred Heart in Vincennes and St. Philip Neri in Bicknell, in the summer of 2010.

What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination? Master of Divinity (MDiv) at St. Meinrad.

Your Vocation

Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian? Meeting people and finding friends in the Church who are as committed and enthusiastic as I am about living a new life in Christ.

What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? Living a life totally consecrated to Christ, and being a sacramental presence of Christ to the Church community.

Your Future

Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:

The importance of preaching. Preaching is important because it impresses the word and event of Christ into people’s lives. The authority of God’s word must become present in the lives of the faithful and the preacher has been given the task and responsibility of that authority.

Ministry in a cluster parish. What have you heard? What do you expect? I’ve heard that parishes may have to share a pastor and consolidate different aspects of parish life. I hope that our parishes renew a sense of identity and mission through this process.

The role of technology, if any, in assisting with your ministry. Technology is a good tool for simplifying tasks and enhancing communication. It can be an effective means of evangelization if it isn’t misused or sought as an end in itself.

The role of the priest in supporting vocations. The priest is called to support vocations primarily through his witness to his own vocation. Young men are attracted by priests who are courageous, faithful and authentic in their own humanity.