St. Michael Welcomes Seminarian Tom Rees in the Adopt-a-Parish Initiative
We are excited to announce that Tom Rees, a seminarian with the Raleigh Vocations Program, has adopted St. Michael the Archangel Parish as part of their Adopt-a-Parish Initiative. Through this initiative, seminarians are paired with parishes to receive prayerful support, and Tom will be supporting our parish community with his prayers and spiritual guidance as he continues his journey to the priesthood.
About Tom
Tom is currently in his Propaedeutic Year, a time of spiritual and intellectual formation, as he moves toward ordination. He hails from Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral in Raleigh, NC, and has been deeply inspired by key figures in his life, including Monsignor Brockman, his young adult group at the Cathedral, and Father Joshua.
Tom shares this advice for young men discerning a vocation: “Ask yourself these questions: Does something draw me to the priesthood? Who is God to me, what has He done for me, and how can I respond to Him in the greatest way? Learn how to live well and trust that time will bring clarity.”
How You Can Support Tom
Tom has assured us of his prayerful support for our parish, and in return, we can uplift him in prayer and encouragement. Here are some ways we can support Tom:
- Pray for Him: Offer your prayers, including the Rosary or during Stations of the Cross.
- Adoration: Join us for Eucharistic Adoration on Tuesdays and Fridays during Lent, or take part in our overnight adorations on Mar. 7-8 and Apr. 4-5.
- Send a Letter: Write a note of encouragement to Tom and let him know you are praying for him.
- Stay Connected: Remember him on his birthday (May 4), and add him to your Christmas card list.
Fun Facts About Tom
In addition to his spiritual journey, Tom enjoys hobbies like weightlifting, rowing, video games, coding, reading, walking, pickleball, and biking. His favorite saint is St. Thérèse of Lisieux, and he finds inspiration in the scripture passage: “But Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” – Luke 2:19
Thank You, Tom!
We are incredibly grateful for Tom’s decision to adopt St. Michael the Archangel Parish and offer his prayers for us. Let us continue to support him as he follows God’s call.
For more information about the Adopt-a-Parish Initiative or to learn more about Tom, visit the Diocese of Raleigh’s page on Tom.