Deacon Jacob Romero.

Seminarian Information

Fun Facts

Current Seminary: Configuration/Theology 4 at Theological College, The National Seminary of the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC
Proposed Priestly Ordination: May 18, 2024
Hometown: White Rock, New Mexico
High School: Los Alamos High School
College: University of New Mexico
Home Parish: Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish
Parents: Christopher and Euphrasia Romero
Number of Siblings: 1 older sister
Favorite Saints: I have a long list! But if I really had to choose a few, it would be Saints Augustine, Ignatius of Loyola, and Louis de Montfort
Hobbies: The outdoors, especially hiking and fishing (which I hope to do more once I’m back home full time in NM). I also love to swim and I enjoy a good movie or TV show.

Vocation Story

I first thought about priesthood when I was nine years old, inspired by the example and priesthood of Fr. John Carney, my childhood pastor. The desire to become a priest would always come back in my heart when I received the sacraments. The first time I thought about it I received my first holy communion, and then in high school as I was going through confirmation preparation the feeling wouldn’t go away and I expressed an interest to go to seminary. I put it in the back of my mind as I went to college, but then by God’s grace, I returned to confession after a couple of years. I then got involved with the Newman Center at UNM in Albuquerque, where I began serious discernment, then entered formation in 2016.

Who or what inspires you to be a priest?

My childhood pastor, Fr. John Carney. I have known him since I was 8 years old. His joy, sense of humor, pastoral wisdom, and support have always been an inspiration to me.

Why Santa Fe?

New Mexico is a beautiful state with such a rich Catholic culture and history. I pray that in my priesthood I can not only contribute to the sustaining of that Catholic culture, but also deepen it, helping to reestablish a strong faith community in our Archdiocese and reminding people not only of who they are as New Mexicans, but also who they are as beloved children of God.

I first became connected with the Vocations Office at a retreat in February, 2012. I had no idea what to expect out of seminary, or even if I should join to begin with. But when I met with them, the Office was able to answer all of my questions and I left the meeting having signed up. The Vocations team accompanied me every step of the way for seven years on my road to the priesthood.

Throughout the discernment process, the Office of Vocations provided solid support, always seeking my best interest. They were a reliable source of guidance, answering questions and offering direction. I felt like I had an ally in them, someone who truly cared about my success and well-being. I strongly believe in the leadership and guidance provided by the Office of Vocations and their commitment to helping men discern the call to the priesthood.

When I was a student at UNM, I got to know the Vocation Director for the Archdiocese, and he invited me to attend the yearly vocation discernment retreat which the Office of Vocations sponsored. After that experience, I realized that God wanted me to attend seminary, and although I didn't quite know what that process entailed, the Office of Vocations helped me navigate all the steps of applying as well as providing necessary financial support to attend seminary. Throughout the whole seminary process, the Office of Vocations continued to support me and also arranged my parish assignments and seminarian retreats. I'm grateful for their immense help in bringing me to that joyful day of priestly ordination and for their continued work in helping others walk the path of discernment.I strongly believe in the leadership and guidance provided by the Office of Vocations and their commitment to helping men discern the call to the priesthood.

I remember reaching out to the Vocations Office when I first started applying to seminary. They were very supportive and responsive to my questions as a brand new seminarian and kept me up to date on application requirements, such as sacramental records and other evaluations, so that I could enter seminary in a timely manner. With their help I was able to smoothly transition into seminary life!

When I was progressing in formation, I felt the need to get more experience in a parish in order to discern the call better. I reached out to the Vocations Office to see if they would allow me to do a pastoral year. They were relaxed about the whole thing, not pressuring me one way or another. They just wanted to help me discern what God wanted me to do. I appreciated that very much, and the pastoral year was a fruitful episode in my formation journey.

Here for you.

God speaks in your silent prayer. He also speaks through Holy Mother Church. Don’t discern your vocation alone. The priests of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe are on this journey with you.

Connect with us today so that together we can see what God is up to.