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GETTING TO KNOW A SEMINARIAN

Seminarian’s joy: ‘The brotherhood of believers’

Seminarian James Sternberg, from the Diocese of Orlando, shares information about his life in this article in the occasional series of profiles of seminarians.

Published: 01.18.08

Born: March 27, 1982

Family: Parents, Jeff and Marilyn Sternberg. One brother, Charlie, age 28

Schools attended: Lake Brantley High School, Altamonte Springs; Furman University, Greenville, S.C.; St. John Vianney College Seminary, Miami; St. Vincent de Paul Regional Seminary, Boynton Beach (now in his first year)

FC: When did you enter the seminary?

JAMES: August 2005.

FC: What did you do before becoming a seminarian?

JAMES: High school chemistry teacher.

FC: What do you do on your time off?

JAMES: I like to read, run, bike and pray.

FC: What is your favorite movie?

JAMES: “Braveheart.”

FC: When did you know you wanted to be a priest?

JAMES: In college.

FC: What was your “vocation moment”?

JAMES: Holy Thursday, and the image of being gathered around Christ.

FC: What would you be doing if you had not entered the seminary?

JAMES: Teaching chemistry.

FC: What has been your favorite pastoral assignment as a seminarian?

JAMES: Bishop Grady Villas (a residence in Orlando for adults with developmental disabilities).

FC: What is your greatest joy?

JAMES: The brotherhood of believers.

FC: What is your description of the ideal priest?

JAMES: One who gives what Christ gave.

FC: What priestly stereotype should be discarded?

JAMES: That the priest is timid and a people pleaser.

FC: Who was most surprised by your vocation?

JAMES: College friends.

FC: What were you not prepared for by the seminary?

JAMES: The necessary personal commitment.

FC: What is your greatest accomplishment?

JAMES: Graduating from college, getting into seminary.

FC: What is the last book you read?

JAMES: “Jesus of Nazareth” by Pope Benedict.

FC: What is your favorite type of music?

JAMES: Bluegrass.

FC: What do you collect?

JAMES: Nothing.

FC: What person do you admire the most?

JAMES: I admire those who work for the poor.

FC: What do you fear the most?

JAMES: Losing myself amidst my own concerns.

FC: What is your greatest hope?

JAMES: Heaven.

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Seminarian’s joy: ‘The brotherhood of believers’

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