Noah Giebel

Configuration I

Parish: Holy Family, Fond du Lac

Seminary: Saint Francis de Sales

Birthday: May 6

Intercessor: Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, St. George

Tell us your vocation story.

I had a deeper conversion to the Catholic faith early on in college at UW Platteville. While there I began to get involved at the Catholic Newman Center. I began to develop a daily prayer life and sacramental life. I started serving Masses there and towards the end of my first year and into my second I felt a strong draw towards the priesthood. It didn’t work out for me to pursue it at that time and so I continued forward in college. In my last semester of college, Fr. Luke Strand reached out and gave me some advice for discernment. I found this to be very helpful and started me down the path of discernment again. There were several things that took place to influence my decision but one that sticks out to me a lot happened in May of 2021. I was serving a wedding for a friend. During Mass I remember looking at the priest and desiring to be him and not the couple getting married. It really solidified the discernment. So, I applied and was accepted to enter for the Fall 2022 semester.

What is the greatest challenge facing a man considering the seminary?

We are afraid that we will make a mistake in going. This stems from two lines of thought. First, I think we assume that if we go, we will be ordained right away or that we must become priests. This is a common misconception. Seminary is the place to discern if you are called to be a priest. If you discern that you are not, no worries, you have the freedom to leave. The second line of thought is perhaps the fear that if we go and discern out, we won’t be able to “get back what we gave up.” This could be a job, the loss of knowledge in their field of study, or a girl they just met that seems like she could be a really great wife. The important thing to remember is that God is never outdone in generosity. If one follows Him with a sincere heart and willingly gives Him these moments of their life, He will repay them a hundred fold and with blessings they could never have imagined.

What is your favorite Psalm verse and why?

Psalm 51:10 - “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me.”

I deeply desire a clean and pure heart where I act out of love of God and neighbor and not for selfish inclinations. Then the second half I have seen translated to be “renew a steadfast spirit within me.” I desire to be steadfast in my identity as a beloved son of God, the knowledge that Jesus died for my sin, and that He desires to transform me in Himself. I want to be steadfast in always saying “yes” to Him.

What are your favorite activities outside of the seminary?

I really enjoy leading Bible studies. I was a missionary before starting seminary and found a lot of joy in leading others in discussions on the Faith. I also enjoy ultimate frisbee, hiking, and spending intentional time with people.

Where do you like to go to pray?

A quiet and small chapel with the Blessed Sacrament.

Where do you do your best studying?

In my room and in quiet places. I have a hard time focusing if there is a lot of sound.

Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?

Our Blessed Mother.