Seminarian Profile:
Dave Sabel

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you are becoming a priest?
My family and friends are very supportive. My mom is extremely happy. I think they are all wondering about what is happening with me. I am 52 years old and I am going back to school, giving up my job and starting s a new career. What a career to start though! I warn them that I might not be the same Dave that they were use to in the past. Becoming "another Christ" might promote changes within me which might be awkward for my family and friends to understand. I wouldn't say drastic change, but awareness that the Will of the Father will be a priority in my life. Being the disciple of Jesus Christ demands that I be humble, but strong in attitude. I am to love all whether I like it or not. So, I hope my family and friends see the "Jesus in me" so I can minister to them.

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?
Do I have fun? I tell the story that when I was growing up, my mother raised 10 kids. She wanted us out of the house so she could get the house in order. So when she said, "Go out and play and I don't want to see until dinner time" I took her at her word. I love to play. I think it will be part of my make-up as a priest. I do enjoy many sports. I am leaning toward sports now that do not hurt my body too much. I like to bike-ride, play golf and once in awhile play some racquetball. I do like to read so I try to read a book once in awhile.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?
I finished my first two vocations. I was a teacher of students with special needs. I also was a union plasterer for about ten years.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?
I have 10 brothers and sisters; 5 brothers and 5 sisters. I love them dearly. They are my favorite vacation spot if I have the time. My nieces and nephews love to see "Uncle Dave" and I love seeing them.

What is your favorite TV program?
I try not to watch too much TV. It can be my worst habit. I can be a real zombie when I watch TV. If I watch anything it is a DVD or golf. I like the old family sitcoms with stronger family values.

Who is your favorite singer or music group?
I am not a big music listener. I like an assortment of music. I like some of the "oldies." I like to dance so one time I took "Disco lessons" with my sister-in-law. I like Christian contemporary like John Michael Talbot and Michael Poitier. Easy listening music with a good beat would please me.

Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?
I never get bored of studying to be a priest. I love my classes but it isn't easy for me. I knew going back to school was going to be my biggest cross, but I am doing a good job of giving it to God. He seems to know what he is doing because classes are going well. I figured that I was on "catch up" anyway so school doesn't get boring. I am trying to catch up with the young guys. Our diocese is blest with some pretty smart and spiritual young men.

How is a seminary different from a regular school?
Well it isn't a secular institution. God's university is training us to save souls for the Kingdom so I think it has a more serious focus on the "here after" than the "here and now." In seminary, all your brothers have the same goal; to serve God. It has a real charitable feeling that people want to help you reach that goal. You won't always see that non-religious school setting most of the time. Regular school is more individualistic and at times, lonely.

How often do you see your family?
I see my family as often as possible. Fortunately, I have a sister and brother not far from the seminary. I visit them during holidays when possible. My mother is still living so I usually visit her in Florida during the winter. It is tough duty to visit your mother when you are in the cold of Boston. She now lives in Monmouth, Illinois so now my travel plans will change.

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?

Money has really never been a big concern in my life. I have been single for most of my life. I am "low maintenance" so I don't need much money to be satisfied. I think money and happiness is overrated. You can see many of the rich sport stars who have all the money in the world and they aren't happy. I have seen some of the poorest people in Mexico who are happy.

I think happiness is in following the plan that God has made for your life.

If you follow His Will then you will know happiness.

How often do you pray?
Well, I do community prayer with my seminary. I try to spend time in front of the Blessed Sacrament when possible. I am a regular with saying my rosary. I also go to daily Mass. I pray the office everyday and I try to read additional spiritual readings/books. I would say I average about 4 hours a day. I hope I am praying to the Lord as I am doing his work also.

Who helped you decide to become a priest?
For me, God helped me decide. I asked Him the question, "What do you want me to do with my life now at my age now, Lord?" He answered me, "I want you to be a priest like my Son." There is more to it, but I will give you the long version when we meet in person. After the call from God I did talk to priests I respected for their viewpoint. I also prayed about this call. Then I decided to say, "Yes" to My Lord.

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?
I am not sure yet. I am sure being Christ at Mass will be a great experience. I am also looking forward to being a "Spiritual Father" to all those in my ministry that are searching for answers or searching for God in their lives.