Tomas Tanuz - Archdiocese of Santa Fe

Seminarian Information

Fun Facts

Current Seminary: I’m currently in my 4th year of undergraduate studies (Discipleship) at Mount Angel Abbey and Seminary
Proposed Priestly Ordination: 2029
Hometown: Pecos, NM
High School: Pecos High School
College: N/A
Home Parish: St. Anthony’s Parish
Parents: James and Carolyn Tanuz (+)
Number of Siblings: I’m the youngest of 3
Favorite Saints: My favorite Saint is Blessed Carlo Acutis because he was given a strong faith from a young age, which I identify with as well. He is also a wonderful example for our generation.
Hobbies: Any outdoor activity such as fishing, camping, picnicking, and horseback riding. I also enjoy listening to my favorite country and New Mexican Spanish music.

Vocation Story

I always felt a call to the Priesthood. When I was a child my teachers would often ask us, “what do you want to be when you grow up”? My response was always, “I want to be a Priest.”! I kept this in my heart for years but in high school I pushed it back a little bit and went to Northern New Mexico College in Española, NM. While I pursued a degree in Environmental Science there, the call was always in the back of my head. I decided to take my discernment more seriously, and attended a retreat, after which I was invited to apply for Seminary. I was accepted in 2020 and I have enjoyed every minute of it since.

Who or what inspires you to be a priest?

The idea of serving others. As Jesus said in Mark 10:45, “For the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” As a Priest I will become a servant for all and in doing so serve God.

Why Santa Fe?

I want to serve the people of my home Archdiocese and bring the light of Christ to all in New Mexico.

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.