Interview with New Seminarian: Daniel Albrecht

Who are some of your favorite Catholic writers? Favorite saints?
Some of my favorite writers include Tolkien, Trent Horn, Edward Sri, and Christopher West. My favorite saints are St. Thomas Aquinas, St. Joseph, St. Ann, mother of Mary, St. Therese of Liseux, and of course our Blessed Mother.
 

When did you feel the call to discern the priesthood? Was there someone who nudged you toward the priesthood or was there a priest you looked up to?
I began considering the priesthood in the beginning of my sophomore year of college, around two years ago. I looked up to Fr. Kerry Wakulich as a man after God's heart. He is a truly devoted priest that exudes love in everything he does. Fr. Pratt has also helped me so much in this journey, without his guidance I would not be where I am today, and also Fr. Hoa Nguyen of the Ft. Worth diocese.

What are some of your favorite hobbies?
Some of my favorite hobbies include woodwork and handiwork. I love creating and fixing things, just anything I can do with my hands.
 

When is your favorite time of the day to pray? Favorite prayer?
I love praying in the morning. There are not as many people in the chapel at that time, usually, so I feel very close to Christ in that moment. I also love starting my day with prayer, giving God the first fruits of my day is a wonderful gift that helps me to recognize the truly important aspects of life, and helps me to form my day around my relationship with Him.
 

What characteristic do you most admire in a priest? In a dad? In a single man?
I believe one of the most important characteristics of being a man, regardless of your vocation, is the recognition of your relationship with Christ. Having a deep, intimate relationship with Christ is essential to performing your duties as a man. We are all called to be configured to Christ in some way, and we discover this through our vocation. Looking at Christ as the perfect model of true manhood, and desiring to emulate Him in everything you do is the most admirable characteristic there is. Through Christ, we learn to love those around us and sacrifice for those we love, two aspects that are at the heart of being a man.

What do you love about Tulsa? Favorite restaurant to go to in Tulsa?
Tulsa is a very loving community. I have a lot of experience with the Hour of Mercy ministry led by Fr. Pratt. This ministry servers the poor and homeless of the Tulsa downtown district. Hearing the stories of those less fortunate and building a relationship with them has been a true gift from God. I have also seen other ministries at work here as well. Working alongside us to help those who need it most has been very enlightening to the personality of Tulsa. I would have to say that Kilkenny's is my favorite restaurant in Tulsa, their Meatloaf is unmatched!
 

What are you most looking forward to in seminary? 
In addition to discovering God's will for my life, I am excited for the community in Seminary. I have heard so many priests speak of their experience of seminary and cannot wait for the adventures and friendships that will be born out of my pursuit of God.