‘Culinary arts wasn’t for me’

Meet EJ Resinto, 20, a lifelong Kauai resident and parishioner at Immaculate Conception in Lihue. He is one of two new seminarians for the Diocese of Honolulu who recently began studies for the priesthood at Mount Angel Seminary and Abbey at Saint Benedict, Ore.

Schooling: Elsie H. Wilcox Elementary School; Kauai High School, Class of 2005; Kauai Community College, certification in Culinary Arts

Past work experience: Warehouse/delivery worker for Napa Auto Parts in Lihue

When did you consider the priesthood as a vocation?

I started to seriously think about my vocation when I realized that culinary arts wasn’t for me. I always knew that the Lord had a plan for me from when I was an altar boy at 7-years-old, but it’s been about a year and a half of serious discerning. Through attending many retreats like Basic Christian Community and the Divine Mercy Conference, being more involved in my parish and the diocese, and with the support of my family, friends and fellow parishioners, I figured this might be my calling.

What are you looking forward to as you start the seminary?

While in the seminary, I look forward to learning more about our Catholic faith and the formation of what it is like to become a priest. I’m also taking this time to truly discern if this is God’s call for me by prayer, reflection and academics.

Challenges?

The challenge of being in the seminary is being away from my family, friends and the islands. I also hope I can do well in all my classes.