Highlighting seminarians: Jeremy Wind

March 20, 2008

This is the first in a series of profiles highlighting seminarians of the Diocese of Sioux City.

Name: Jeremy Wind

Home Parish: St. Joseph's Jefferson

Age: 28

Seminary: Conception Seminary College & St. Meinrad School of Theology

College: Iowa State University

Parents: Tom and Sue Wind

Siblings: Marieta and Chris

Hobbies: Sports (soccer, ultimate Frisbee, basketball), biking, hiking, reading, playing card/board games

When did you start thinking about being a priest?

When I was at Iowa State and I had a string of three consecutive people within 5 months all ask me the question, "Have you thought about being a priest?" I responded a rather emphatic, "No!" to each. But I started at least considering it at that point.

What were some church activities that you participated in prior to entering the seminary?

Religious education, Youth Group, NCYC, Search Retreats, College retreats, Steubenville Youth Conference, Catholic Heart Work Camp, and service trips.

What is your favorite Scripture passage?

I have too many favorites. It really depends on what is going on in my life at the moment.

How did you come to know Jesus?

I first came to know Jesus Christ through prayer before Him in the Blessed Sacrament in Eucharistic Adoration.

Who inspired your vocation to the priesthood?

I had a couple of energetic priests in college who really inspired me. Ironically I also had a girlfriend who was both an inspiration and great support. She very pointedly said to me, "Although I think that I love you, I don't want to steal you from God. I am willing to let you go and to take the time in seminary to figure this out."

Did anyone invite you to consider a priestly vocation?

Yes, my youth minister, a Catholic man from Carroll, and an evangelical protestant.

What spiritual events or activities helped you develop a relationship with Christ and the Catholic Church?

One primary event was a powerful experience during Eucharist Adoration at a Steubenville youth conference when I was 15. Also, actually sitting down and taking time to pray regularly has greatly helped me develop this relationship. Finally, I developed a relationship with Christ and His Church through conversing with Jesus Christ through His words in Scripture and studying what the Church actually teaches.

How did you come to realize God's call to priesthood in your life?

After the three people asked me to consider the priesthood I was beginning to wonder whether God just might be calling me to be a priest (although I definitely did not want to be one!). So I decided, well perhaps I'll go to seminary and give this some honest time in figuring it all out. It took God about three or four years to make the call really clear and certain.

Why is it important for you to follow the call?

Because there is happiness and peace in living a life according to God's plan. I have seen this in that both the people around me and I myself am happy with the life I'm living.

How did your family and friends react when you told them you were entering the seminary?

There were not too many people who were surprised. Most everyone was very positive but some questioned whether this was really something I would be happy with.

Why is the priesthood important?

I see the priesthood as important not only for me but for others because it serves as a bridge or ladder between heaven and earth. The priest is immersed in the lives of his people and yet he is also immersed in the life of God. The priest pleads, prays, and makes sacrifices to God for the people and the at the same time he walks with, encourages, and leads God's people as they get closer to Him. Through this whole process the priest learns from, is humbled by, is strengthened and supported by the people to whom he serves.

What advice would you give to a "man on the fence" about priesthood?

You'll be a better man (as a husband or in your career as a single man) if you give it a chance. If you go to seminary you won't get worse! You'll only be better off if you give it an honest try, even if you leave seminary after a year.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

That I hold a weightlifting record at the Iowa Games. Also people would be surprised that I was named Greene County Cook-out King in 1998. Finally, (and read this one ALL the way through!) it would be surprising to know that I've been with a prostitute, knelt down with her, held her hands and prayed with her during street ministry in Los Angeles.