Forming future shepherds: a summer update on our seminarians
05/20/2025
As the Diocese of Erie joyfully prepares for the ordination of two of our transitional deacons to the priesthood, we also take this opportunity to shine a light on the seminarians currently discerning and preparing for their own call to serve the church. Their faith and dedication are signs of great hope for the future of our diocese.
Each of these men is at a different point in his formation, but all are united by a desire to follow Jesus Christ and serve his people as priests. Their paths require deep prayer, sacrifice and formation—spiritually, intellectually, pastorally and humanly. As they continue this journey, we invite the faithful to accompany them with your prayers and support, and to pray also for others who may be discerning a vocation to the priesthood.
Michael Geary recently completed his first year in the Configuration Stage of seminary formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Baltimore. This summer, he is participating in the Institute for Priestly Formation (IPF) in Omaha, Nebraska, a program designed to deepen the spiritual lives of seminarians and prepare them to minister more effectively. Following his time at IPF, Michael will return to the diocese for a parish assignment to gain hands-on experience of daily parish life.
Joseph Preston is preparing to begin the Configuration Stage of formation this fall at St. Vincent Seminary, having completed his undergraduate studies and the Discipleship Stage at St. Mark Seminary and Gannon University. This summer, Joe is working at Wegman’s and assisting at his home parish, St. Francis Xavier in McKean. In June, he will travel with fellow seminarians on a pilgrimage to Italy—an opportunity to deepen his connection to the universal church.
Tyler Niebauer completed his second year in the Discipleship Stage of formation at St. Mark Seminary. He is spending his summer working for PennDOT and assisting at his home parish of St. Basil the Great in Coalport. Like Joe, Tyler will also join the pilgrimage to Italy with other seminarians from the diocese.
Samuel Ghering and Tyler Smart are concluding the Propaedeutic Stage of formation at the Blessed Michael J. McGivney House of Formation in Baltimore. This year has focused on laying a strong spiritual foundation before the academic and pastoral demands of seminary begin. This summer, they will travel to France on a pilgrimage before returning to the Diocese of Erie for parish assignments. In the fall, they will enter the Discipleship Stage of formation at St. Mark Seminary.
The call to the priesthood is a sacred one, and these seminarians are examples of how God continues to stir hearts in every generation. Please continue to pray for Michael, Joe, Tyler, Sam and Tyler—and for all who may be discerning a vocation to the priesthood. May their example inspire others to listen for God’s call and respond with generosity and faith.
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