Not surprisingly, a wide range of ages, ethnic groups and background experiences are found among the 129 men enrolled in theology this fall at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo.

Recently, The Tidings interviewed three of the 32 new students to learn why they have chosen to the pursue a priestly vocation. The students are:

-Richard Sunwoo, 26, from the St. Raphael Korean Catholic Center in Paramount, who earned his B.A. from St. John's Seminary College in 2000 and has taught the last four years in Catholic high schools.

-Kevin McCabe, 40, from St. Victor Church in West Hollywood, who worked in the radio/communication field for 21 years.

-Richard Meyette, 30, from St. Gerard Majella Church in Mar Vista, who graduated from UCLA and has taught in Catholic elementary and high schools.

What has brought you to St. John's at this point in your life?

Sunwoo: I was actively working in the church, as an English teacher at St. Bernard and Bishop Montgomery High Schools. But I still felt the need to do more. I think I've decided that priesthood is what I want, but I also know it's not up to me. So I'm here testing my calling.

McCabe: I'm a convert [he was raised in a Christian Science home, but never "officially" joined], and a few months after I became Catholic in 2000, I was in the Vocations Office inquiring about the priesthood; it was almost an immediate callling. So I'm here to learn more about the church, more about the faith and more about the priesthood. I received by B.A. in Liberal Arts through Mount St. Mary's weekend college program, and that played in a big role in my discernment process. With a background in business and radio, I needed that liberal arts program.

Meyette: My call to the priesthood started at UCLA, and it never really went away. Teaching seventh grade at St. Mark School in Venice helped foster my vocation; so did working in campus ministry and teaching at Bishop Alemany High School. I really valued the ministry over teaching, and to take my calling to the next level, I had to be here. And I'm pretty sure this is what I want but - like Richard said - it's out of my hands. It's in God's.

What has been the response of family and friends to your decision to come to St. John's?

Sunwoo: My family has been very positive. They've seen me work in the community, in the schools, and they've mentioned that I should return to the seminary.

McCabe: I've received tremendous support from my family, even though they're not Catholic, and from those in my former workplace as well as from the college.

Meyette: My family, coworkers and people in the parish all have been very supportive. It's been a long time since we've had someone from my parish become a priest, and I think that would make the people at St. Gerard's very happy.

Has there been any negative response, or anyone wondering, "What are you doing this for"?

Sunwoo: It's interesting that at Bishop Montgomery, where I was teaching, the girls were very understanding and supportive, while the guys were very inquisitive, asking why would I do this. I told them that I just can't imagine doing anything else with my life that is so meaningful and positive.

McCabe: I didn't get any negative comments; if anything, like Richard said, people were more curious. They were asking, "What does it mean to be in the seminary? What will you study? What's the next step?" They were also wondering if I became a priest, would I be assigned somewhere outside the U.S. I explained to them, no, I would be a priest for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, serving right here.

Meyette: People do ask all kinds of questions - do you have to sell your car and your possessions, that kind of thing. They don't know much about the formation process, so you need to explain it.

Sunwoo (smiling): When you tell them it (theologate) is for five years, they faint.

McCabe: It strikes people as an eternity, but it really isn't.

What has being here at St. John's been like thus far? Is there anything different than you thought it might be?

Sunwoo: There is a real, genuine caring for one another here, among students, faculty and staff. Sometimes, in the academic setting, there is the expectation of a cold administration, with the focus on paperwork and performance. But here, the focus is on the individual, with each one trying to develop himself and his gifts as much as he can with the support of the St. John's community.

McCabe: The seminary really functions like a local church community, with many of the same wonderful aspects you find a in a parish - the prayer life, the fellowship. In my short time here, I have found it very nurturing and satisfying.

Meyette: In the pre-theology program, there is a very small student-to-teacher ratio, which is very helpful. It allows for more individual attention. And like Kevin said, you have a great sense of being part of a community here.

There is, of course, a certain stigma attached to the priesthood these days, stemming from the sex abuse scandal. How has that impacted your decision to be here and to pursue the priesthood?

Sunwoo: I think there is a certain radical-ness involved in people who witness to faith every day, despite all the negativity in the world. The world needs these kinds of radical witnesses who lay down all that they have, who say to the world, "God is real."

McCabe: I think it's a matter of saying yes to the Lord's invitation. Through my discernment, I felt that His invitation was extended to me in a way that I could not say no.

Meyette: The scandal was no impediment in my decision, although I can see that priests are human like anyone else. Society can very easily toss a blanket over everyone in the priesthood and lump them all together in a negative way. But everything I know about my faith and how important it is has come through the priests I have known. It is so awesome to be able to affect someone's life in that way, and I just pray that I can be worthy enough to do the same.