
Eric Hasenbein, a seminarian of the Paterson Diocese, loves living down the hall from Jesus. He enjoys spending time with Christ during Mass, adoration, and the liturgy of the hours, held in a chapel a few doors from his dorm room at St. Joseph’s Seminary & College.
“It’s a short commute to talk to Jesus during my visits to the chapel,” said Hasenbein, 22, who started his priestly studies with the new propaedeutic formation stage at St. Joseph’s in the Dunwoodie neighborhood of Yonkers, N.Y. “In the chapel, I get to pray with Jesus, receive him in the Eucharist — and incorporate him into my life.”
Hasenbein is the first diocesan seminarian to start his studies with the new propaedeutic stage. Seminarians focus on prayer and living in community to discern their vocation. Mandated last year by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, this stage adds a seventh year to the beginning of priestly formation.
“We are praying with no distractions. We have limited use of technology. It allows God to speak and us to listen — whatever he calls for us. We are also getting used to seminary life,” said Hasenbein, a member of Notre Dame of Mount Carmel Parish in the Cedar Knolls neighborhood of Hanover Township.
This additional year of study stage makes it more expensive for the diocese to send these men to the seminary. That’s why contributions are more critical than ever to this year’s Diocesan Ministries Appeal (DMA), which funds seminary education and vocation awareness.
The diocese supports 11 seminarians — seven from the United States and four from Colombia — with contributions raised through the DMA. Seminary costs more than $50,000 annually, including tuition, housing, and health insurance.
“The cost of educating and forming seminarians is substantial. The generous contributions to the appeal by parishioners help the diocese to fund their seminary studies for these future priests,” said Father Ed Rama, diocesan vocations director and administrator of St. Bernard Parish in the Mount Hope neighborhood of Rockaway Township.
Other DMA beneficiaries are Catholic Charities, urban Catholic schools, and priests’ healthcare, including Nazareth Village, a home for retired diocesan priests in Chester.
DMA contributions also support Vocations Office programs for young men discerning the priesthood. They include Project Andrew dinners with Bishop Kevin J. Sweeney, Quo Vadis Days retreats, and first Saturday Days of Discernment.
Hasenbein earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial systems engineering at Virginia Tech in May but decided to follow God’s call he first heard in college. He would be ordained a priest in 2031.
“If God calls, I’ll respond. I want to serve the Church and God’s people, including the poor and sick, and administer the sacraments as a priest,” said Hasenbein, who thanked DMA contributors. “Without DMA support, I would not have the opportunity to pursue my vocation to the priesthood.”
The Diocesan Ministries Appeal supports seminarian education. Please consider participating in the DMA. To donate or pledge online, scan the Q.R. code or visit dopappeal.org. For more information, call 973-777-8818, ext. 215.