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2010 Visiting Seminarian Tom Woodhouse

Q. Tell us about your family background, and where you grew up, and your life before you took up the calling to join the priesthood.
A. I was born in Elmira, NY and my family moved a lot when I was young, (New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania), but we finally settled in New Canaan, CT. and our family belonged to St. Aloysius parish. I attended college at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Univ. and after graduating I was commissioned as an officer in the USMC. After my service I was employed as a pilot by Texas Instruments and Raytheon in Texas and Arizona.

 Q.  What were the significant experiences that influenced your decision to become a priest?
A. I had several experiences of people asking me if I ever considered becoming a priest, but the most significant experience happened in Rhode Island a couple of summers ago, when the parish priest at St. Paul's in Cranston asked me if I ever considered becoming a priest in the diocese of Providence.

Q.  What has your experience in the seminary been like so far?
A. Very enjoyable! The professors are all knowledgeable and personable and the classes are all very interesting. My fellow seminarians are a great bunch of guys and the fellowship and camaraderie sometimes reminds me of my days in the military. 
 
Q.  Do you have some goals for your summer experience in Barrington?
A. I mainly want to experience what it is like to be a parish priest by helping and observing all the various ministries offered by the parish. I also hope to instill a genuine and lasting love for God in all of the youth of the parish by working with them in the summer education program.

Q.  What are you expecting the rest of your program leading to ordination as you continue your studies after your summer at St. Luke’s?
A. I will be getting more involved with pastoral work by going out to hospitals and nursing homes in the Boston area next year along with continuing academics.

Q.  What is your first impression of St. Luke's Parish?
A.  What a great parish! Fr. Bob and Fr. Luke, along with all the parishioners have made me feel very welcome. I am also impressed by the enthusiasm and dedication of all the parish staff, (full time and volunteer, both in the school and church). It has been an added blessing to experience the strong faith and fellowship of the youth.

Q.  Is there anything else you would like to share with the people of St. Luke's? I would like to thank them for making me feel so welcome and I hope that our experience together this summer will bring us all closer to God.

Please help make Tom feel welcome during his time with us!  

Photo: Tom's Acolyte Installation Dec. 2009