Andrew Rudmann - Pre-Theology I

➤ Age: 25

➤ Seminary/Formation Year: Pre-Theology I, Notre Dame Seminary

➤ Elementary School: St. Joan of Arc, Chagrin Falls, Ohio

➤ High School: St. Ignatius High School, Cleveland

➤ College: Franciscan University of Steubenville

➤ Confirmation saint: St. John the Evangelist

➤ Why did you choose this saint?: I chose this saint to honor my grandfather, John “Jack” Rudmann. He was my best friend growing up. At the time of my confirmation he was too sick to stand as my sponsor, so I chose his patron saint for my confirmation name.

➤ Favorite food: Chicken and steak burrito (half-and-half), double-wrapped, white rice, both beans, fajita peppers and onions, mild corn salsa, sour cream, cheese, lettuce and a bottle of Chipotle Tabasco on the side (Chipotle Mexican Grill).

➤ Favorite movie and/or TV show: Growing up my favorite author was Clive Cussler. I secretly saw myself as Dirk Pitt, the six-foot-three, handsome, cunning, can drive/fly anything, heart-breaking action hero of many Cussler novels. However, I grew up to be about 5 feet 9 inches with my shoes on. I have a long list of favorite movies, but three that come to mind are “Good Will Hunting,” “Hook” and “Tangled.”

➤ Favorite Feast of the Church: I have to go with Christmas. For Christmas in Cleveland, the ground is completely covered in what is called “snow,” which makes everything look white and beautiful.

➤ Would you rather cook or go out to eat? I love saving money, as well as cooking with friends. However, I also love not having to clean dishes. When I was in college, this conflict of interest was often resolved by the Taco Bell value menu or a frozen pizza (did you know that you can save the cardboard base of the frozen pizza and use it as a plate?).

➤ Would you rather vacation at the beach or in the mountains? Mountains. Every summer, my family vacations in the Adirondack Mountains – this is my favorite place in the world.

➤ What else would you like to share? I am so thankful for my parents. They are the reason I am here today. Not only did they give me the gift of life, but they also gave me the gift of my faith. I am the oldest of nine children and my parents, in faithfulness to their vocation, have raised all of us in the church and taught us how to pray to and serve the Lord. I would not have had the strength to answer God’s call without daily prayer and the loving support and guidance of my parents. My advice to those discerning their vocation (whatever it may be): Honest prayer. Tell God exactly how you feel and he will help you! If you are uncomfortable or anxious that you might have a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, tell him! For most of my life, I, too, was afraid and anxious that I might be called to the priesthood. I brought these fears and anxieties to the Lord every day, and over time, he quieted the storm and placed a burning desire to pursue the priesthood on my heart. Speak to God in prayer every day and listen to him in the peace of your heart. God hears you and will always lovingly provide you, his beloved child, with everything you need. Do not be afraid.