Our Lady of Fatima

Sean McBride is a resident of North Wildwood.  He is a member of the Notre Dame de la Mer Parish in Wildwood NJ where he served as an altar server.

Sean graduated from Wildwood Catholic High School.   He received a Bachelor’s degree from Stockton University and a Master’s Degree from Rutgers University.  Sean obtained the rank of Eagle Scout and as part of his Eagle Scout project, a Vietnam Memorial Wall was constructed in Wildwood, NJ to remember Vietnam Veterans. 
Sean is a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree at Our Lady of the Rosary Council 2572 affiliated with Notre Dame De La Mer Parish.

 Sean is attending St. Joseph’s Seminary (Dunwoodie) in Yonkers, NY where he is studying to become a diocesan priest for the Camden Diocese.

St. John Neumann has its very own seminarian, Jake Snyder who is in his second year at St. Charles Seminary in Philadelphia. Jake has joined the Knight of Columbus and has already taken is CUF Degree. 

On occasion Jake is going to provide us a description of his journey to becoming a priest. When Jake sends us an update it will appear her on our website. Stay tuned.  Continue to pray for Jake .  See update from Jake below:                                                                                 

Below is a letter from Seminarian Kyler Holler which KOC #7755 are supporting through the Vocations Program.  He is his fifth year at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.

Dear parishioners of Saint John Neumann and Council 7755, from the bottom of my heart I thank you all so much for your support and prayers for not just me, but all my brother seminarians! I know that I personally benefit from all that you offer and for that I am grateful!
Allow me to introduce myself to you. I was born and raised not too far, right in Burlington. All my family lives in Burlington, which is a true blessing. I am the oldest of four, two brothers and a sister. My mom is a nurse, and my dad is the evidence officer for the police department. At the age of just three years old, I told my parents that I wanted to be a priest! They were not surprised as I have a few priests in the family, and many great parish priests close to us. In second grade I became an altar server, and I absolutely loved it! Growing up I played baseball and soccer. I continued to play during my time in high school at Holy Cross. I graduated in 2020. During my junior year however, I heard the voice of God speak to me. During my time at Holy Cross, I was meeting with Fr. Chris Colavito, who was the chaplain, for spiritual direction. I was trying to push away the idea of priesthood and began dating yet still wanted to remain faithful. One day, I was set to meet with Fr. Colavito in the chapel at Holy Cross, where I first met him, and he discovered that I was thinking about priesthood. One day he had a “quick meeting” and asked if I wanted to sit before the Blessed Sacrament in Adoration. I prayed to Jesus asking, “what do you want me to do with my life?” Being in a relationship with a girl, I was thinking college or career but as I lowered my head, I heard this clear voice say, “be my priest.” In that moment I was filled with instant joy and peace. Some things unfolded over those weeks to follow, and I eventually accepted the call from God and applied to the Diocese of Trenton. By December of my senior year, Bishop O’Connell handed me my acceptance letter! The life of a seminarian has been a journey, with its ups and downs like all things, but overall, a true blessing and joy. I have met some of my best friends for a lifetime here at Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia.
I am currently in my fifth year of priestly formation. God-willing, I will be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Trenton in 2028. I will be twenty-five years old, giving my best years to God and His people! This brings me immense joy! While seminary sounds like a long eighty years it really is full of wonderful opportunities to grow in prayer and friendship. In my free time I enjoy watching the Phillies, Eagles, Flyers, and Sixers. I always try to get to a few Phillies and Flyers games with my family and friends. Hopefully I will be able to attend an Eagles parade this year!
Again, I cannot thank you enough for your support and prayers! I greatly appreciate all that you do for me and my brother seminarians! I look forward to being ordained a priest of and for the Diocese of Trenton and being of service to you! Please be assured of my daily prayers for you! Please pray for me, my brother seminarians, and an increase in vocations to the priesthood here in the Diocese!

In Christ,
Seminarian Kyle

Below is a letter from Seminarian Brian Leonard which KOC #7755 are supporting through the Vocations Program.  He is attending Mount Saint Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

My dear brother knights,
 
I hope that this letter finds each of you well and in good health. I would like to extend my sincere gratitude for your kind gift, your constant support, and your unwavering prayers. I am consistently humbled by the generosity of the Knights of Columbus, as I certainly don't deserve such kindness, but will nonetheless accept it gratefully. It has been through the support of the Knights that my brother seminarians and I have been able to pursue our studies and faith formation with undivided attention, as we have never had to worry about the possibility of financial hardship. Whether it is covering the price of new uniforms, books, car repairs, or other essentials, we have the Knights of Columbus to thank that we want for nothing. Please know that we will certainly be praying for all of you that the Lord might reward you for your generosity. May God bless and keep each of you, and may you all have a very merry Christmas.

Sincerely yours in Christ,

Brian McCue Leonard
Seminarian - Mount Saint Mary's Seminary 
Diocese of Trenton