Mr. Zachary Fier
YEAR IN FORMATION
Year 1
HOME PARISH
St. Timothy’s (Laguna Niguel)
BIRTHDAY
March 1st
SEMINARY
FAVORITE SPORTS TEAM
The Angels (Mike Trout)
FAVORITE SOCIAL MEDIA
FAVORITE SAINT
St. Padre Pio
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I was born in Mission Viejo and lived in Laguna Niguel my entire life until college. I grew up in a family centered on the Catholic faith and am the middle child with two brothers. I went to Santa Margarita Catholic High school and later attended the University of Arizona where I majored in mechanical engineering. My main focus of ministry has been with children at an orphanage in Honduras where I was a teacher at the school, a part of their daily lives in their homes, and a role-model setting a healthy example for them.
What are some of the factors that led to your decision to enter the seminary and discern the question of a vocation to the priesthood?
I went down to Honduras for two years after college to volunteer at a Catholic orphanage. In my time I began to learn about the depth of our Catholic faith and its beauty. I came to the realization that the Catholic Church is the one true church and began to fall in love with it. I also began to see the joy and love my heart experienced from giving myself in service to the children and workers at the orphanage.
Who are some of the people who influenced your decision to enter the seminary? What is it about them that assisted you?
When I arrived in Honduras there was a man who was going to become the first ordained priest for the orphanage. I was able to journey with him as he transitioned to become a deacon and a priest. He was the first priest I knew personally and had a strong relationship with. I saw him as a man who deeply loved Jesus. Seeing his example made the greatest impact on me.
Describe the moment that you knew you wanted to take the next steps to become a priest?
During my second year in Honduras at mass on Holy Thursday I had an encounter with Jesus’ humility and love for me during the washing of the feet. My heart was transformed and for the first time in my life I began to desire the priesthood. Ever since this experience my longing for the priesthood has continued to grow. After spending time in discernment at home in prayer I felt ready to take the next step to formally discern my vocation in the context of seminary.
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