Brian Johnson
College III
St. John Vianney
My name is Brian Johnson, and I am a member of Saint Ludger Parish in Creighton, Nebraska. It is a beautiful parish with a great family atmosphere. Family is very important to me. Some of my favorite things to do include being with family, playing sports, staying active, enjoying nature, watching movies, and spending time with Jesus.
Approaching the end of my days as a high school student, I took some time to really think about how I can best serve the Lord, and He came into my heart and flooded me with guidance, reassurance, and His friendship. Long ago, God placed a desire in my heart to help others. There are many beautiful ways to help others, but God did not give me peace in the pursuit of becoming an engineer or a math teacher, as I had intended. I came to realize that the most important way I could help others is spiritually. After all, what is more important than salvation? It became clear I was meant to go to the seminary. The idea of studying and living at St. John Vianney Seminary filled my heart with joy and my stomach with excitement. My hope was that I would be able to find brothers to discern with and to grow closer to the Lord as He shapes me, and He has done just that.
I advise anybody who is considering joining the seminary to cast off the fear, hesitation, and doubt that will try and close your heart off from the Lord. Simply be willing to answer the call the Lord has for you, wherever it may lead, and spend lots of time with the Lord, and He will take care of the rest. Our Blessed Mother is a powerful ally in discernment, as well. You always have a family in Christ.
God is good, all the time!