Daniel Westermann

College II
St. John Vianney College Seminary
Home Parish: St. Mary, Pinckney

I first considered a call to the priesthood in the 5th grade. The calling
came back while on a senior "Kairos" retreat. I really felt the Lord tugging
at my heart and asking me to give my life completely to him. Thanks to the
help of Fr. Lobert, the chaplain of Fr. Gabriel Richard H.S., I surrendered
my life entirely to Christ, even if that meant becoming a priest. After this
moment of surrender, it felt like a ton of bricks was lifted off of my back;
Jesus was helping me now, it is not that he didn't before, but now I was
allowing him to.

I decided to check out St. John Vianney Seminary to see what it was like
and if I would like going there. The visit went very well and convinced me
to enter in the fall. The life at SJV is busy, but very life-giving. Through
the structured prayer life I have found great peace and a joy that only the
Lord can give.

One of the best things about SJV, aside from the prayer life is the
fraternity. I have 142 Brothers that I can turn to if I ever need support.
It is a great group of men, striving to be Men in Christ, Men of the Church
and Men for others.


Thanks, God Bless
Dan