Deacon Ryan Thomas Stoer.

Seminarian Information

Fun Facts

Current Seminary: Configuration/Theology 4 at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans, LA
Proposed Priestly Ordination: May 18, 2024
Hometown: Farmington, NM
High School: Piedra Vista High School
College: New Mexico Tech in Socorro
Home Parish: San Francisco de Asis, Ranchos de Taos
Parents: Tom and Lorrie (Conroe, TX)
Number of Siblings: 1 (an identical twin)
Favorite Saints: St. Isaac Jogues, St. Lawrence, and St. Therese of Lisieux
Hobbies: Hiking, Swimming, Reading

Vocation Story

While I was in college at NM Tech, my parents moved from New Mexico to Jackson, Mississippi. Upon graduation, I accepted a nuclear engineering offer in Charleston, SC. My mother had recently been diagnosed with cancer, and the Charleston position required a security clearance which would take months to secure, so I could spend those months with my mother in Jackson. While there, a priest during confession suggested that I might have a vocation to the priesthood. This led to my decision to enter seminary to test my vocation in Mississippi, instead of taking the job in Charleston.

Who or what inspires you to be a priest?

The example of Jesus healing the blind man in John 9. Jesus opens the man’s eyes to reveal himself. The ordained priest continues that ministry to bring Christ’s healing and encounter. Ultimately, he speaks truth into the darkness and gives love to all the areas marred by sin. He does that through commitment to prayer, the sacraments, and preaching. A priest at the seminary I attend exemplifies this. He wakes up early every morning, goes to the chapel, and prays his holy hour. After over fifty years of priesthood, he remains faithful to Jesus and it shows in his preaching, in how he celebrates the sacraments, and in how he loves all he meets, in particular, in how he has loved me. He has modeled Jesus to me and brought me to him. I hope to do the same for others.

Why Santa Fe?

While I was studying for the Diocese of Jackson, some friends invited me back to New Mexico for a visit. During that visit I felt a sense of home and purpose. This peace led me to transfer to the Archdiocese of Santa Fe. I’m now gratefully serving as a deacon in the Archdiocese where I entered my adulthood and where I am among friends and family.

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.