Editor's note: This is the fifth in a periodic series spotlighting those in formation for priesthood at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo.

I was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico on May 31, 1977. My parents are Arturo Serratos and Maria Elena Parra. I am the fifth child of six brothers and sisters.

I attribute the beginnings of my vocation to the testimony of a priest from my childhood, Father Jesus Martinez. I experienced him as being dedicated to the service of his people. I have been moved by priests like Father Martinez who have been involved in the daily reality of his peoples' problems --- problems of work or home --- and who stay with them, follow them to the end, and help them find well being in their lives. This witness for me began at home as a young boy at the parish of Our Lady of Lourdes, of the Fresno Colonia, in Guadalajara Central.

This testimony led me to enter the Diocesan Minor Seminary of Guadalajara. From there I continued my studies through 1 1/2 years of philosophy, and one year of special orientation called "Introductory Course." After that, I left the seminary in order to view the Church from a different perspective and to develop myself as a man, a Catholic and disciple.

When I came to the U.S. to work, I found myself at St. Emydius Church in Lynwood with Msgr. (later Bishop) Dennis O'Neil, who was pastor at the time. There I served four years with the youth, in catechetics and evangelization. In 2001, Msgr. Emigdio Herrera became pastor, and he named me director of parish evangelization. During these two years, I entered a deeper discernment in my priestly vocation.

Then in August 2003, I entered as a seminarian of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles at the Seminario Hispano de Santa Maria de Guadalupe in Mexico City. While at the Seminario Hispano I completed my philosophical studies at the Instituto Superior de Estudios Eclesiásticos (Institute of Ecclesiastical Studies).

At this time, I am completing my first year of theology. I hope to continue my theological studies at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo. My dream is to return soon to Los Angeles to again learn more deeply the reality of the many people there and to serve them from the perspective of faith.

And if God desires, I hope to do this one day as a good priest.