Getting to know the diocese’s three newest priests

By Andrew Junker | May 21, 2009 | The Catholic Sun

The Diocese of Phoenix plans to welcome three new priests into its fold June 6 with an ordination Mass at Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral. The Catholic Sun recently spoke with the ordinands about their calling to the priesthood, their hobbies and the time spent in preparing for the big day.

Read: Bishop Olmsted to ordain three new priests June 6

Robert Bolding

Age: 27

Birthplace: Phoenix, AZ

First parish assignment: Ss. Simon and Jude Cathedral.

Curriculum Vitae: Brophy College Preparatory; Northern Arizona University; University of St. Thomas College Seminary, St. Paul, Minn.; Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio.

Why the priesthood?

I first seriously thought about it as a senior in high school. I thought this is something I could do for the rest of my life and I’d be happy and it’d be fulfilling.

Did someone encourage you?

There wasn’t anybody who told me beforehand. I did get invited to the Jesuit vocation day each year. I got invited to that so that was maybe the first external invitation. When I did first start thinking about it, I talked to Bishop [James S.] Wall, who was a young priest at the time, and he was very supportive right off the bat. He really fostered my vocation.

How do you keep centered on Christ?

Really it has to do with prayer. That’s the nice thing about the Liturgy of the Hours. Seminarians always pray, but when you become a deacon you promise to pray the breviary all day. Between that and the Mass, it’s a solid way to stay grounded in prayer. It keeps you honest and you can never go more than a couple hours without praying.

What was seminary like?

It’s a great blessing. Not many people get to take six to eight years of life and just go away and be with God and be formed, study and pray.

What are some of your hobbies?

I like to read, I’m interested in history and classical literature, and I love music, but I’m not a musician. My hobbies are just reading.

Can you point to a particular person as being instrumental in your formation?

Bishop Wall, certainly, and Fr. John Ehrich. Both of those guys have been really good about just showing concern and call from time to time to check on me.

Thielo S. Ramirez

Birthday: October 22

Birthplace: Gloria, Philippines

First parish assignment: St. Thomas Aquinas Parish in Avondale

Curriculum Vitae: Attended Dobson High School; Franciscan University, Steubenville, Ohio; Mount Angel Seminary, Mt. Angel, Ore.; Pontifical College Josephinum Seminary, Columbus, Ohio.

Why the priesthood?

I grew up seeing lots of priests and religious. I was always amazed at their zeal and desire for service. They were also very joyful, which gave me a very positive outlook at a vocation to religious life. My desire for the priesthood springs forth from my desire to serve our Lord and His people.

When did you realize you had a calling to the priesthood?

I realized my vocation at a very young age but it wasn’t until high school that I started actively pursuing it. I started talking to several priests about the priesthood. It helped me articulate what God was doing in my heart.

Did someone encourage you?

My family is very supportive and has always encouraged me to consider the priesthood, but there were two priests who really encouraged and fostered my vocation. Fr. [Rob] Clements and Fr. [Joe] McGaffin helped me discern God’s will for my life. They have been there every step of the way. I am eternally grateful for their guidance and support.

How do you keep centered on Christ?

Daily meditation on the Word of God and daily holy hour.

What have you been doing in the past few months leading up to your ordination?

The past few months were spent studying for comprehensive exams, finals, packing to return to Arizona, preparing for graduation, preparing for ordination and praying a lot!

What are some of your hobbies?

I like reading, photography and cooking. Is eating a hobby?

William Schmid

Birthday: April 19, 1982

Birthplace: Mesa, AZ

First parish assignment: St. Mary’s in Chandler and chaplain at Seton Catholic High School.

Curriculum Vitae: Brophy College Preparatory; University of San Diego; Arizona State University; Scottsdale Community College; Mount Angel Seminary, Mt. Angel, Ore.; Pontifical College Josephinum, Columbus, Ohio.

Why the priesthood?

I feel called to the Person and mission of Jesus Christ.

When did you realize you had a calling?

I first realized that I had the call to the priesthood when I was praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament late at night at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Scottsdale. Fr. Matt Lowry and I shared an apartment down the street from OLPH and we used to pray there often. After I felt the call, I went to Bishop Wall to talk about it and he encouraged me to give the seminary a try.

Did someone encourage you?

Yes. Bishop James Wall.

How do you keep centered on Christ?

Daily prayer and Mass

What have you been doing in the past few months leading up to ordination?

Preparing for ordination: planning first Mass, finishing up school, sending out ordination invitations, packing my things, praying.

What are some of your hobbies?

Basketball, softball, swimming, traveling, reading and studying theology.

Can you point to a particular person as being instrumental in your formation?

Bishop Wall and Pope Benedict XVI have been very instrumental in my faith formation. Bishop Wall encouraged me to follow God’s call without hesitation.