Mark Julian Martinez.

Seminarian Information

Fun Facts

Current Seminary: Mount Angel Seminary, Oregon
Proposed Priestly Ordination: 2035
Hometown: Las Vegas
High School: Robertson High School
College: Mount Angel Seminary
Home Parish: Immaculate Conception
Parents: Mark James and Lucinda Martinez
Number of Siblings: 1 Sister & 3 Brothers
Favorite Saints: Saint Padre Pio, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Saint Valentine & Saint Rita
Hobbies: Genealogy (Especially my NM Heritage), Baking, Fishing & Antiquing

Vocation Story

This pilgrimage began with a prayer, asking our Lord what he wanted me to do with my life. Are you calling me to marriage, Lord? To the consecrated single life? Or to your priesthood? I spent a lot of time reflecting back to moments in my life where exactly the Lord was trying to call me, which all led to the calling of the Priesthood. Even in moments where I felt most distant from him, he was drawing me closer to him and wanting me to follow him. I had a successful military career and on the fast track for promotion so what was I to do? Put this feeling on the back burner or ignore what was going on in my heart? So, I kept praying and spending time with the Blessed Sacrament and it was finally made clear. I had to make a decision. My response – “Yes.” From there, the floodgates of grace and the consolations started pouring in. Every step of the way, from reaching out to the Vocations Director, to submitting my application, to receiving my acceptance letter, I have had the feeling that this is my calling and this is being ordained by our Lord. Deciding to make the leap of faith and to take up my cross and follow him is the best decision I have ever made. I leave the uniform with honor, not as a goodbye, but as a continuation of a lifelong journey of service—this time, in a collar instead of camouflage.

Who or what inspires you to be a priest?

I pull my inspiration for the priesthood from the countless men who have gone before me who answered that same call, who answered “yes.” I also am truly inspired by the idea of the salvation of souls. Through the hands of a priest are souls saved.

Why Santa Fe?

Santa Fe is home. Answering the call to serve my neighbor means I can connect with them in a deeper and more impactful way. The added bonus is knowing that Santa Fe – and really all of New Mexico – has such a rich and unique faith history.

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.