Dominic Teeters.

Seminarian Information

Fun Facts

Current Seminary: Mount Angel Seminary, Oregon
Proposed Priestly Ordination: 2035
Hometown: Tijeras
High School: Chesterton Academy of Albuquerque
College: N/A
Home Parish: Holy Child
Parents: Diana Teeters and Stephen Teeters
Number of Siblings: 3
Favorite Saints: St. John Bosco, Our Lady of Victory & St. Francis
Hobbies: Woodcarving, Sports, Reading & Singing

Vocation Story

My name is Dominic Earl Teeters. I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and baptized at Holy Child Parish in Tijeras. My Catholic faith has always been a central part of my life. I became an altar server after my First Holy Communion in third grade, and that role quickly deepened my love for the Mass and my desire to serve God. In middle school, my prayer life grew stronger, especially during the COVID-19 shutdowns, when I first felt God calling me to the priesthood. That time of silence and reflection awakened a more personal relationship with Christ. In eighth grade, I began Confirmation classes and made the decision to live my faith intentionally. In high school at Chesterton Academy, I served as Head Altar Server at both Holy Child and Queen of Heaven Parishes, helped lead a Schola choir for weekly Mass, and took on leadership roles in my school community. These experiences helped me grow spiritually and confirmed my desire to serve the Church. I attended discernment retreats, a Steubenville Conference, and World Youth Day in Lisbon, all of which affirmed my growing sense of vocation. As I turned 18, through prayer and guidance, I became confident that God is calling me to the priesthood. I’ve answered that call and continue to follow wherever He leads.

Who or what inspires you to be a priest?

I’m inspired by the priests around me and by St. John Bosco, whose love for the youth and joyful service to God deeply impact me. Through my experiences serving at Mass and growing in prayer, I’ve felt called to live a life of service, just as the priests of the Archdiocese of Santa Fe have shown me. Their example has helped me see the priesthood as a way to bring others closer to Christ.

Why Santa Fe?

I was born and raised in the Archdiocese of Santa Fe, and it has deeply shaped my faith and identity. I love its strong Catholic heritage and community. As I discern the priesthood, I hope to one day serve this archdiocese and help guide others on their spiritual journey toward 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.