Seminarian profile: Deacon Keith Hart
Home parish: St. Peter Parish in Montgomery
Anticipated Ordination Year: 2025
Parents: Bud and Anita Hart
Siblings: Matthew (Alison) Hart, and Nathan (Ashley) Hart
The seven years I have spent in seminary have been joyful.
I started discerning priesthood in the eighth grade, but I really began to consider it seriously when I received confirmation in my sophomore year. Growing up, my pastor Father Jim Koressel provided a wonderful model of priesthood. He is a joyful man who seemed really engaged with the community. I also had an incredibly supportive family. My grandparents and parents were always prayerful and involved in the life of the parish. As I entered seminary, I found more support in the priests who staff the seminaries I’ve attended, as well as the professors. The professors know that they are not just training students. They are working towards forming future priests who will minister to parishes, families and individuals who turn to their parish priest for help in walking with Jesus Christ.
Friends, especially my diocesan brothers, have helped and encouraged me along the way. I can look back at this past year’s newly ordained priests, Father Tyler Underhill, Father Phillip Rogier and Father Caleb Scherzinger and see the many times in seminary we helped and encouraged one another with our prayers, conversations and friendship. I would not be the man I am today without them.
I would encourage any man discerning priesthood to be a friend to others, to make friends he can be himself with and to share his passion for Christ and His Church. No disciple walks alone.