Welcoming Thomas Baus: A Seminarian’s Journey in Faith
We are excited to introduce Thomas Baus to our parish community! Thomas is currently in formation for the Diocese of Raleigh as a college seminarian, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to get to know him better and walk with him in prayer and support.
Getting to Know Thomas
Thomas, who prefers to go by Thomas, was born in Aurora, Illinois. His family joined St. Michael Parish in July of last year. He brings a lot of energy and personality to our community. He enjoyed running cross country and track in high school and also likes playing video games. Over the years, he’s lived in six different states: Illinois, South Carolina, Georgia, Arizona, North Carolina, and now attends college in Ohio. One of his favorite memories was hiking in the mountains of Arizona.
His confirmation saint is St. John Berchmans, and he also has a strong devotion to St. Faustina and St. Francis of Assisi. When it comes to Scripture, he’s drawn to the Wisdom Literature especially Sirach, Proverbs, and Ecclesiastes.
His Vocation Story
Thomas first felt called to the priesthood during his junior year of high school, a time when he was active in altar serving at his parish. That calling deepened when he began praying the Rosary and reading the Bible daily. These spiritual practices helped confirm his sense of vocation.
During his time in Tucson, Arizona, he was especially inspired by members of his parish community, including Father Callistus, Father Pat Crino, and Deacon Ed, all of whom played meaningful roles in his faith journey.
Formation Journey
Currently, Thomas is studying at Franciscan University and will be starting his second year of Philosophy in the fall. A typical day at the seminary includes Morning Prayer in the chapel, shared breakfast, classes, and daily Mass (which he attends at noon). After classes, he heads to track practice, has dinner, participates in Evening Prayer, and then wraps up the day with homework and relaxation.
One of the most inspiring aspects of his formation so far has been learning to pray the Liturgy of the Hours. He especially appreciates how deeply it draws from Scripture, particularly the Psalms.
Connection to St. Michael Parish
Though still relatively new to North Carolina, Thomas has felt welcomed at St. Michael, thanks in part to Father Scott and Father John. Their hospitality made it easier for him to feel at home in the parish community.
In his previous parishes, Thomas was heavily involved in altar serving, and he plans to begin serving here at St. Michael soon.
He asks for continued prayers from the parish and encourages parishioners to say hello if they see him around.
Looking Ahead
As he continues in formation, Thomas looks forward to diving deeper into Theology and growing in his faith life. When asked about his hopes for the future, he says he wants to serve others with compassion and mercy, and to preach not just with words, but by example.
Final Thoughts
Thomas humbly asks for your prayers as he continues to discern his vocation and grow in his call to serve the Church.
As a parish, we are blessed to have Thomas and his family among us. Please join us in praying for him as he continues his formation journey, and may we continue to encourage and uplift all those discerning their vocation to serve Christ and His Church.