John Lankeit

Seminary:  St. Meinrad School of Theology

Birthday:  April 24th

Home Parish:  St. Thomas the Apostle

Favorite Saint:  St. John Vianney; St. Thomas the Apostle

Hobbies:  Golf, running, movies, travel

Favorite Food:  Panang Curry (Thai)

Enjoy most about being a seminarian:  The support of so many people; the hope they have in us; the privilege to learn so much about our beautiful Catholic faith.

Vocation Story

My first thoughts of the priesthood were in my early twenties just prior to graduation from college. A priest friend of mine suggested going out and getting some experience first before taking that step. He sensed a need in me for a more balanced framework of experience from which to evaluate such a big decision. I took his advice. Throughout my career, I was dissatisfied and unfulfilled, despite ever-increasing outward success. Around the age of 30, after completing some very intensive retreats, including a 30-day silent retreat in a Trappist cloister, the call surfaced again, but due to turmoil in my life, my spiritual director at that time suggested holding off (again) until things settled down. He said "if the call is real, it will come back." Again, I followed what in hindsight was sage advice.

Almost two years ago, I moved to Phoenix from Seattle and my faith caught fire. We are blessed to have such a vibrant, faith-filled community in the Phoenix Diocese and the truth of my spiritual director’s statement four years ago was proven to me. Thanks be to God for placing wise, experienced mentors along my spiritual path to ensure that I was fully prepared to respond "Yes" to God’s call. I have never enjoyed as much peace in my heart as when I accepted the Lord’s offer to follow Him, and I thank God every day for my vocation.