Tim Oudenhoven Third Year Theologian

Mundelein Seminary 1000 East Maple Avenue, Mundelein, IL 60060

Here is a little about myself and my vocation story.  Just as a disclaimer this is not the most interesting story and I would warn against operating heavy machinery as it may cause drowsiness while reading.

Once upon a time, I was born in La Crosse, WI where I lived for the first two years of my life.  My family then moved to DePere and Peshtigo before moving to Stevens Point about 10 years ago.  I come from a family of five and am the eldest having a younger brother and sister.  My family has always been religious and involved in parish life.  I can remember being excited in fourth grade when I became old enough to start serving at Mass.  It was about two years later that I started to think about the possibility of being a priest.  Being in a small Catholic Grade School, I was encouraged to discern my vocation through several strong role models including my Mom’s brother who is a priest and her sister who is a nun.  

Shortly thereafter, I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, a chronic muscular disease.  I had to cut back on some of my activities and by ninth grade stopped actively discerning towards the priesthood because I could barely complete the tasks I had to do for the day.  During my senior year of high school, I started feeling better where I could start to take a normal class load.  It was also at this time that Fr. Trempe, the pastor at St. Bronislava in Plover (my home parish) started to ask me the question if I felt called to the Priesthood.  After a while I had to say yes, and started to move towards the point that I am at now.    I attended several retreats and became active in my faith helping with our parish website.

After high school, I decided to enroll at UW Stevens Point as a Physics major since I loved science.   I then switched into Computer Information Systems and began working part-time as a student employee in their computer department fixing computers and creating web-based database systems. 

In April 2004, I was accepted as a seminarian with the Diocese of La Crosse.  I was kind of a “strange” seminarian because I had not yet graduated from UW-SP and would not be ready to enter seminary until Fall of 2005.   This gave me the opportunity to work at the Diocesan Center, putting my computer skills to good use.  I lived at Mary Mother of the Church Parish (my parent’s parish from 20+ yrs earlier) in La Crosse.  I also spent a lot of time with other seminarians that were in town.

That summer was an awesome experience.   I enjoyed meeting all of the Curia staff and learning about the different things the Curia does.  I also had the pleasure of attending a few retreats and even had the opportunity to speak to the young men who came to the Threshold Retreat.  I was fortunate to spend a lot of time at our Shrine to our Lady of Guadalupe.  I must admit that I was skeptical of it at first, but after my first visit I understood why it was built and the need for it.

The following Fall, I returned to Stevens Point for my last semester of college.  Even though I was graduating in 3.5 years, it still seemed too long.  Although it was good to be back home, I really wanted to head back to La Crosse to continue where I had left off in summer.  Luckily the semester went fast between jobs and study.  I found it very interesting how my friends/classmates took the news that I was going to seminary.  Many did not even understand what that meant.  I was a little worried about what would happen but my anxiety was for nothing because most thought it was neat and had many questions about it.

After graduation I moved back to La Crosse to Blessed Sacrament Parish  and had the pleasure of learning from Msgr. Hundt and Fr. Francis.  They showed me what it means to be a good and holy diocesan priest in today's world.  I was there from January till August 2005.  These were great months and I learned a lot.  Most importantly is that since then I am very sure I am in the right place.  I also did a lot of public speaking to teens and youth around the Diocese with Fr. Hirsch (Vocations Director) and Chris Stefanick (Diocesan Youth Minister).  Very quickly all fears that I had about not reaching the teens or saying something wrong were gone and I began to love every retreat and talk I was able to attend.  Talking to teens who are going through the same things I did and giving them encouragement has been very rewarding for me because it is one way that I can give back the many blessings I have been given. 

Another highlight was my involvement at the Shrine of our Lady of Guadalupe in La Crosse.    I worked there putting my computer degree to use, but also was involved in the masses, tours and other events that I was asked to help at.  I was able to meet so many wonderful people through the shrine and also work on many priestly skills that I will need for the future, God willing.

Starting August of 2005, I entered Seminary in Mundelein, IL.  I very quickly felt at home and the year went very fast.  One of the highlights was  Jail Ministry at Cook County Jail in Chicago.  This was very  challenging but helped me develop many skills that I will need as a priest.  This was my first of five years and was dedicated to Philosophy with the other four to theology and preparation for ministry.   I enjoyed Philosophy but an glad it was only for one year.

This past summer I was assigned in Wausau, where I assisted at two parishes, St. Michael's and Resurrection.  It was a great experience and I really learned a lot about the importance of the priest, as pastor and leader.  This assignment really built upon my past experiences and challenged me in ways that I could not have imagined.  It is very exciting to see the Lord at work. 

I am now in 1^st Theology, which is the first year of my masters program in the seminary.  In other words, I have three more years to go.  This year got a bit harder as the course work is more difficult but much more enjoyable.  I still have a hard time believing how fortunate I am to be studying our rich faith in such detail and even more exciting is that I am just in the introductory courses right now.  I am continuing to build my pastoral skills by teaching RCIA and as serving as a Fire House Chaplin for the Mundelein Fire Dept.  This is great since is gives me a reason to get my nose out of the books and to apply what I am learning in the classroom.

I have many interests including computers, being my undergraduate degree, model railroading, canoeing, kayaking, and anything church related.  I am also an avid model railroader and enjoy traveling around the state to different model train shows to exhibit with my model railroad club.  I have even started a club here in seminary with full approval of the faculty and have found it to be a great community activity.  We meet about once a week and are building a train layout in the basement of one of the buildings.  It has become very popular on campus especially when families visit.

Looking forward, I have a lot to be excited about.  I am in seminary and am loving every day of it.  I cannot believe how far I have already grown as a person and as a man of faith.  I am very happy to be at this point in my life.  After all of the years of asking is this for me, I finally feel that I have the answer and am where God wants me to be. 

If you know of anyone discerning a vocation to priesthood please pass this on to them.  Also please feel free to contact me as I would love to chat.  I also give many talks at schools and parishes.  If you are interested in having me come and speak please let me know.