October 21, 2011
Seminarian profile
Jeremy Goebel hoping ‘to learn more’
Jeremy Goebel
Theology I
St. Meinrad School of Theology
E-mail: jgoebel65@gmail.com
Birthday: Dec. 29, 1987
Home Parish: Resurrection Church, Evansville
Parents: Jim and Faye Goebel
Brothers and Sisters: Jimmy, Andy, Matt, Eddie, Sarah, Danny, Erin, Adam, Becky, Jessica, Kathy
Education and Formation
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? I began seminary formation in the spring of 2009. I attended Resurrection grade school and graduated from Mater Dei High School in 2006. My first year of college, I wrestled for and attended Rend Lake Junior College. After that I attended the University of Southern Indiana for a year and a-half before going to the seminary.
What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination? I plan on finishing theology studies at St. Meinrad. I also hope to learn more about the daily life of a priest in our diocese.
Your Vocation
Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian? My parents play a tremendous role in my vocation. I don’t believe I would be where I am today without their continued support and prayer throughout my life.
On a more spiritual level, I feel like my journey to the seminary began at TEC. The presence and inspiration/witness of priests there really got me thinking about seminary.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? I find life as a parish priest to be most attractive.
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 very important in the life of a priest. Preaching enables people to relate to the Gospel and teachings of the faith.
Ministry in a cluster parish. What have you heard? What do you expect? I don’t know much about ministry in a cluster parish. I’m sure there is a lot balancing and hard work involved.
The role of technology, if any, in assisting with your ministry. When using technology, danger arises when advancements in technology cast a shadow over the insurmountable importance of Christ and his Church. But I believe technology can be used as a great tool for evangelization. In one article the Holy Father urges those on Facebook, Twitter, etc. to “share with their peers the joy of faith in Christ.” I just looked that up on my iPhone.
The role of the priest in supporting vocations. I started thinking about the priesthood when I was around other priests. I believe that the prayers and physical presence of the priest plays a large role in supporting vocations.
Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest? I think people want to see a priest who is humble, honest and kind. People want priests that put their whole heart into their ministry and in particular in the celebration of the sacraments.