Steve Mahoney
Theology I
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
I grew up in South Omaha and later moved to La Vista. Growing up I loved swimming, playing sports, and spending time with my family. These days I spend my time reading, playing guitar (blues), working on old cars, and praying! After high school I decided to go to Wayne State College for Construction Drafting. I was not a Christian nor Catholic when I started school. Throughout my four years at Wayne, I encountered Our Lord in a radical way. My life was changed when I attended a Catholic Conference put on by FOCUS for college students. There I experienced God in the Eucharist at Mass and Adoration. I knew I had to join the Holy Roman Catholic Church. I entered the Church in Wayne on October 7th, 2017 (Feast of Our Lady of the Rosary). So, my home parish is technically Saint Mary’s in Wayne! The Parish will always be a home away from home for me.
The initial pull towards the Priesthood began when I attended my first Ordination Mass in June 2017. I was moved to tears by the beauty of the Liturgy. I told the vocations director after Mass, “I want to enter Seminary!”. Father Roza, the director at the time, told me I should work on joining the Church first. Over the next three years I continued to pursue Our Lord as well by asking Him what He wants for my life. Time and time again, God led me closer to His heart and Seminary. This wouldn't have been possible without going to the Sacraments weekly and spending time in silent heart to heart prayer.
After two years of pre-theoIogy at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary, I began this fall in Theology I. It is super exciting to live in a community with men all striving for the same thing, holiness! I am making great friends and memories here at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary.
My advice for any man discerning his vocation is to be bold! There are going to be tough times and doubts but that is not a time to back down. The most noble thing you can do in life is respond to the adventure that God is calling you to. Remember that Our Lord doesn’t call the prepared but rather prepares the called.
I am grateful for all of the support and prayers from the Archdiocese of Omaha. I thank God above all for the gift of my life.