Morgan Bleth - Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Seminarian Information

Fun Facts

Current Seminary: Pre-formation Year
Proposed Priestly Ordination: 2033
Hometown: Albuquerque
High School: St. Pius X and Cibola
College: CNM
Home Parish: St. Thomas Aquinas in Rio Rancho
Parents: Rose Roybal, Mark Bleth, and Ron Roybal
Number of Siblings: Five Brothers and Sisters
Favorite Saints: St. Augustine of Hippo, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Moses of Ethiopia, St. Padre Pio, and St. Ignatius of Antioch
Hobbies: Numismatics and Reading

Vocation Story

Throughout my life I have experienced the call of the priesthood off and on, starting in third grade when Monsignor Raun had asked who among us would consider the Holy Life. Many in my class raised their hands as kids do including myself, but the question persisted past that class and would remain a question in the back of my mind. I had started my service in the Church after my first Holy Communion as an altar server for Father De Palma. For many years I served under him, Father Simon, Monsignor Raun, and many others. However, in my service I found there to be more work than there was faith. During COVID, I found my faith in a freefall without purpose and direction. During Lent of 2023, I had discerned as to what my calling was as up to this point, I had been doing things my own way. I took the time to really reflect of what my role was as a man of God and found myself back where I was in third grade; hearing the call of God to be His servant. After Lent, I called Monsignor Raun and told him about my interest in the priesthood, with a response of ‚ÄúI‚Äôve been waiting for you to tell me this for years.‚Äù This would begin my discernment period which would see in me a radical change in my faith and my closeness to God.

Who or what inspires you to be a priest?

In my life I have never had a great source of fatherhood from the men who would try to assume the role. I only found that fatherhood from that of the priest, men who had devoted themselves to a life of service and to God. I wanted to give that sense of belonging and direction to those who similarly found themselves lost in this world; to be a beacon of light whether small or great.

Why Santa Fe?

It is my home diocese, a diocese which has great need for priests.

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.