Meet our seminarians: David Ringhand

What seminary are you attending and where are you in the formation process? 

I am attending St. John Vianney College Seminary, and I am in my first year of formation. 

When is your birthday? 

My birthday is Dec. 30.

David Ringhand

What’s your home parish? 

My home parish is St. Joseph’s in Crosby. 

Tell me a little about your family. 

I have nine siblings (four older and five younger). The two siblings that are closest to my age are both brothers, and when we are all together it is more than likely that we are playing some sport or another. My dad is a teacher, and my mom works for the church. Like most families, we have our disagreements, but overall I would say we get along quite well. 

Is there an email address where people can write to you? 

People can write to me at [email protected]. 

If people wanted to ask the intercession of a particular saint for you, what saint would you choose? 

If people wanted to ask the intercession of a saint for me, I would ask them to pray for St. Peter’s intercession. 

What are some of the things you like to do in your spare time? 

In my spare time I like to do a lot of things. I love to play sports, running, fishing, playing board games, etc. The list goes on and on, but to sum it up I just really enjoy any form of friendly competition. 

What is your favorite devotion (and why)? 

My favorite devotion is the consecration to Mary. It is just so reassuring knowing that the same hands that held baby Jesus 2,000 years ago are now interceding for my behalf in heaven. 

What’s the best thing about your home town? 

One of the best things about Crosby is the terrain. The lakes and old mine hills are just so beautiful, and the public bike trail is just so lovely to run on. 

What person has been the biggest help to you so far as you discern a call to the priesthood? 

I would say that the one person that has been the greatest help in discerning the priesthood so far is Father Elias Gieske. He was my confirmation sponsor, and it was through his checking-in on me every two weeks or so that I started to develop the prayer life necessary for me to have felt the call to the priesthood in the first place. 

If someone asked you how to grow as a disciple of Jesus, what’s your best advice? 

My best advice is to develop a consistent prayer life. Have some time set aside each day for prayer. Make sure that no matter what is going on you respect that time and give it to the Lord. He will do great things with that. 

What does the priesthood mean in the life of the church? 

Priesthood is the life of the church. It is through priests that the sacraments are able to come to the people of the Body of Christ. Priests are of indescribable value to the church.