A Note From Our Seminarians: June 7, 2026

The following are responses from our summer seminarians, Matthew Dion and Bradley Miller, both of whom attend Mount Angel Seminary (Oregon), having just completed their first year of seminary, called the Propaedeutic Year. Preceding the more direct focus on philosophy and theology studies, this introductory year, is focused on spiritual and human growth. It’s rooted in prayer and is thus intended to lead the seminarian to better know the Lord and himself, ultimately, so that he might better serve God’s people as a priest.

What parish are you from? Matthew: Sacred Heart in Enumclaw. I also attended various military chapels while I was in the Army for six years. Bradley: Our Lady Star of the Sea, Bremerton.

What made you start thinking about priesthood? Matthew: I attended Quo Vadis days (a Catholic summer camp for high school boys) at age fourteen. After high school, I met many people, including priests, who asked if I was considering the priesthood. Bradley: I felt the call to priesthood since kindergarten and began altar serving in fourth grade. I had good exposure to priesthood and religious life and wanted to explore that path as soon as possible.

What have you most enjoyed about seminary? Matthew: Encountering God’s love in the seminary community. Bradley: Living in community at the seminary.

Is there anything you want to add about your family? Matthew: I have seven siblings, and my oldest brother is a priest (Fr. Michael Dion, Pastor of St. Vincent de Paul and St. Theresa). Growing up, we prayed the rosary together every night as a family and I believe it is largely through this that God gave me the grace to be open to the priesthood. Bradley: I am the oldest of nine children.

Are there any profound moments that led to your conversion? Matthew: Yes, I had a profound encounter with God at a daily Mass at Kansas State university while living in Kansas that made me much more public about my faith. Another time when I had a girlfriend, I wasn’t sure if God was calling me to the priesthood or not so one day I asked him to speak to me in clarity and that same day my girlfriend broke up with me. Bradley: I felt the call to priesthood begin in kindergarten and that has been my plan I wanted to pursue.

If God calls you to be a priest, what is something you look forward to? Matthew: Preaching, teaching, and leading others to Jesus! Bradley: I most look forward to the mass, weddings, and funerals: profound moments in the lives of the faithful.