Derrick Nagel
Birth Date: 6/9/90
Home parish: St. Mary’s, Bismarck
High School attended: St. Mary’s Central High School, Bismarck
Year in Seminary: College III
Seminary Attending: ST. John Vianney Seminary, St. Paul, MN
Hobbies and Interests: Outdoor activities, hanging out with friends, movies
Heroes: John Paul II and St. Francis of Assisi
My Story
Soon after a life-changing pilgrimage to Italy in the summer of 2008, the thought of possibly becoming a priest began racing through my mind. During the few weeks before the start of my college career, the decisions I had made for myself regarding my future began to change. As much as I didn't want to admit, God was asking me to reconsider my plans and follow His.
While in my first year of college at NDSU, I became very active at St. Paul's Newman Center. Mass, Adoration, and the Rosary became a huge part of my daily routine. God began charming me with His intense love and goodness, and from that I experienced great peace within my heart. It was then that I made my decision to enter the seminary.
As I continue with discernment, trusting in God plays a huge role in my life. I am deeply grateful for the friends, family, and Catholic education that helped lead me to this point. However, the challenge of looking for God in the smallest of things and in difficult times remains constant. With God's help, I am ready to face this challenge and the many bumps in the road ahead. Above all, I am extremely excited to discover what God has planned for me.
