Family: parents Ron and Bartie Lebsock, younger brothers Matt, Shawn, Nick and Connor.

Grew up in: Billings, Mont.

Education: Billings Skyview High School. Concordia College, Moorhead, Minn. Bachelor of Arts. Biology major, chemistry and philosophy minors. University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle. Doctor of Medicine.

Seminary: St. John Vianney Theological Seminary, Denver. Entering third of seven years.

Three top hobbies: sports/weightlifting, hiking, drinking coffee and studying all things Catholic.

When did you hear the call of your vocation?

During the sophomore season of football at Concordia College, I found myself sidelined for much of the season with a hamstring tear. While at practice, I experienced a compelling urge to bring a rosary to practice. After praying the rosary at practice for a month, one day my world changed—I felt a pull to become a celibate priest. While planning to enter seminary, the call seemed to leave during senior year.

After six months, through spiritual direction I made the decision not to enter seminary (though I was always open), but instead to apply to medical school. I actively pursued married life and entered medical school, consecrating each step to the Blessed Mother. At the beginning of the third year of medical school, the call came back in an undeniable way.

While discerning religious life, I did not sense a call to any order. Doors opened toward the Diocese of Helena, with discernment aided immensely by Bishop Thomas. Through his spiritual fatherhood, I completed medical school and immediately entered seminary rather than going on to residency training.

What moments or experiences in your life nudged you toward your vocation and/or awareness of it?

The combination of supportive family and friends, the human formation of football and strength training, devotion to the Blessed Mother, serving the poor, influential bishops/priests/religious, spiritual directors who were willing to call me out to be a man, and the sweetness of encountering the truths of the Catholic faith (and, most importantly, Truth Incarnate—Jesus Christ) nudged me toward this vocation.

How have your friends, peers and family reacted to your vocation? What has been most helpful, in terms of support, from your friends and family?

For the most part, the reaction has been supportive. Some are enthusiastic. Some are surprised, yet supportive (most common among peers in medicine) and some are convinced that I am being foolish or avoiding hard work. Among the most helpful have been my deceased grandfather, faithful Catholic families and a longtime, Christian friend and his wife.

What has surprised you about being a seminarian? How have your expectations been met or exceeded?

Seminary has been outstanding. At St. John Vianney in Denver, we begin with a Spirituality Year. This year involves fasting from media and communications, light studies, a month-long immersion into poverty (I lived in a homeless shelter), lots of time to pray and a 30-day, silent retreat at the end of the year. I am so thankful for this year, to say the least.

The first year of philosophy has been great, especially since learning how to study in med school. Our teachers love Jesus, love his Church and are exceptional teachers. We have many faithful priests forming us, and the men at the seminary want to know Christ and serve him. The brotherhood with the men–built through daily Eucharistic adoration, physical training, studying, and the liturgy–provides needed support and motivation.

Who are your top three spiritual influences (Pope John Paul II, parish priest, Mother Teresa, etc.)?

This is a hard question. Looking to big names (but not counting Jesus and Mary), I would have to say Padre Pio, Mother Teresa, John Paul II.

What advice might you give to those discerning a call to religious or priestly life?

Number one: Get a spiritual director. Do not worry. Do not be controlled by changing feelings. Do not over think the call. Be patient and let God call you. Of course you love Christ and would gladly respond to his call. Until that happens, focus on preparing to be a good husband or a good wife. If Christ asks you to accept his bride, the Church, or to be his bride as a woman religious, then respond wholeheartedly.


Published in The Montana Catholic Online, Volume 26, No. 7, July 16, 2010.