Rev. Jason Kern, director of vocations, jkern@dowr.org
This year we welcome three men to formation for priesthood in the Diocese of Winona- Rochester. Ryan Saltness has begun formation at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona and Cullen Gallagher at St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, while Tim Kujawa is undergoing a pre-formation year before he officially enters seminary. Pray for these men as they discern God's will for their lives!
Cullen Gallagher
Cullen Gallagher enjoys spending his free time outdoors. He plays both ultimate Frisbee and Frisbee golf, and also enjoys fishing out of his kayak and sitting at a bonfire. When stuck indoors, he loves to watch movies and play card games.
When did you first hear the call to discern at the seminary?
I first heard the call to discern diocesan priesthood when I was in the seventh grade after an amazing experience at Extreme Faith Camp. After Extreme Faith Camp ended, I began to go to daily Mass. While at mass I saw how much love the priest had for the Eucharist and for those he was serving, and it was from there that my heart pulled me towards priesthood.
How does it feel to be entering seminary?
I am very excited to be re-entering seminary. I first entered seminary in 2015 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona. After four amazing years at IHM I realized that I needed to step out of formation and take some time off. From August 2019 – August 2021, I worked for Fed Ex Ground as a delivery driver. I had an amazing time working at Fed Ex, but after two years away from seminary formation I discerned that I need to re-step into formation to discern diocesan priesthood. I am blessed to be able to re-enter seminary formation, and I am looking forward to discerning God's will for me.
What advice do you have for others discerning their vocations?
The only piece of advice that I could give in regards to discerning a vocation would be to remain in the Peace of God. Where there is peace, there is God, and that peace is to be chased after.
Tim Kujawa
Tim Kujawa enjoys fishing for just about anything, especially walleye and largemouth bass. Two of his brothers fish in a professional walleye circuit, so he has been blessed with the experience of fishing all over the country. He enjoys reading mostly church-related content and loves stories of the saints, their struggles, and how they overcame them by God's grace. He also likes likes watching how-to videos on YouTube on just about anything.
When did you first hear your call to discernment at the seminary?
People have always mentioned it to me my entire life. I think one of the first times I heard it within my own heart and took it seriously was on a retreat during Holy Week when I was 19 or 20 while making some meditations from St. Ignatius' 30-day retreat. Reflecting on the goodness of God and coming across Psalm 116 "How can I repay the Lord for all the good done to me? I will raise the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord" and Psalm 42/43 "I will go in unto the Altar of God. Unto God, Who giveth joy to my youth." Every time I hear these words my heart burns for God, especially in the Eucharist. "Joy to my youth" has extra meaning for me. When I first learned to serve at age 7 or 8, I found out there was such a thing as daily Mass. I woke up the next morning and without telling anyone, I went to Mass and was shocked to see Fr. Leary on the altar without any servers so I went to the sacristy, suited up and took my place at the server's chair right behind him. When a few of the parishioners gasped and everyone started staring over to the side, Fr. Leary turned around to see what caused the commotion. He smiled and continued on and I served Mass for him every day that summer.
Who has had the strongest influence on your faith journey?
This isn't an easy question to answer as there are so many. The real answer is the Lord. Through my parents at first, instilling in me the gravity of living a life of faith or not. I can remember reading the story of the mother and her 7 sons being martyred in 2 Maccabees with my mom; that has really stuck with me. Then watching the spiritual conversion of my sister after being in a terrible car accident that took the use of her hands and legs and her being upset but completely resigned to God, knowing He loves her and knows what's best for her. When I began to pray on my own, Our Lady and the saints with their amazing stories kept me going along with the examples of many holy priests and parishioners.
What advice do you have for others who are discerning their vocations?
If you don't pray, you won't know the way. There's just no way around it. There is no step 2, 3 or 4 if you don't pray. It's in every spiritual book including the Bible; I know - I've read a ton of them. Speak with a few holy priests, parishioners, and the vocations director and see what they say. Give it an honest go and know that the Lord your God is with you in all things whatsoever you shall go to (Joshua 1:9).
What is your favorite Psalm?
Psalm 40 is my favorite Psalm because life can be very difficult at times and you can find yourself in a bad way, but God comes to you if you're serious in your cry to Him. It speaks to the ups and downs of the spiritual life. When we humble ourselves and cry out to God, He saves us, tells us his great plans for us, we say we'll serve Him, the enemy comes and tries to bring us to ruin and if we've learned anything we'll cry out to God and He'll deliver us. "Though I am afflicted and poor, the Lord keeps me in mind."
'I waited, waited for the Lord; who bent down and heard my cry, Drew me out of the pit of destruction, out of the mud of the swamp, Set my feet upon rock, steadied my steps, And put a new song in my mouth, a hymn to our God. Many shall look on in awe and they shall trust in the Lord.'
Ryan Saltness
Ryan Saltness loves to be active, whether playing hockey or baseball - his favorite sports - or getting out for a run or hike. He loves to read and drink coffee, both of which are done better together. He also loves movies.
Where are you from?
I grew up in Rochester. My childhood was like many Minnesotan kids: hockey in the winter, baseball in the summer, and a video game side hustle for my free time. I am a middle child between my younger sister, Renee, and my older sister, Rachel. My mom and dad are Rick and Jacque Saltness. I love them a lot!
When did you first hear your call to discernment at the seminary?
There have always been positive influences and experiences that helped set the foundation, but it first became a conscious thought during my senior year of college at St. John’s University. When I joined staff with FOCUS, a college outreach apostolate, I was blessed to work closely with a lot of amazing priests and it was there that I had a growing desire for the priesthood and felt called to investigate further.
Who has had the strongest influence on your faith journey?
I don’t want to cop-out of this answer but there are many individuals and groups that have played a significant role. First and foremost my parents in supporting and welcoming a life of faith growing up. Friends in high school and St. John’s University that either supported me directly in growing in the spiritual life or indirectly by wanting the best for me. Many individuals in the FOCUS organization whose conviction continues to inspire me. Fr. Connor, Fr. John Ezratty, Fr. Thompson, and many other priests who I’ve been grateful to know and who live their priesthood so well.
How does it feel to be entering the seminary?
It has been a great start! I’m cherishing some of the growing friendships that are being cultivated. I love the academics and the amount I get to learn (words I never thought I’d say). Having a schedule that is incredibly ordered is very freeing. Entering seminary was something that I had been praying through and thinking about for 7 the past year and it feels great to finally be here. There has also been a lot of support around the diocese and from other friends and family which has meant a lot. I am grateful to be here.
Has your perspective changed since answering your call to the seminary?
There has been a lot to adapt to since being here but I continue to learn more about myself through the transition. I used to find value in being able to do whatever I wanted whenever I wanted to do it. Therefore, making a big commitment like going to seminary or giving your life to the priesthood can be intimidating or be received as a surprise. However, getting past some of those initial fears has been well worth it. We are all formed in a way by our close friendships so it's been exciting to see what fires up some of my new friends here. I also haven't spent a ton of time in Winona growing up and had no idea it was this beautiful.
What advice do you have for others who are discerning their vocations?
Don’t do it alone. Talk with a spiritual director, trusting friends, role model, etc. Fill your mind with good things (Scripture, good spiritual reads, beautiful movies and music, etc). Find a daily prayer life and know that Jesus Christ wants you to be totally free in your decision.
