Priestly Passion

Fr. Lawrence Jozwiak has had many roles and responsibilities as a priest in the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. From chaplain to teacher and pastor, Fr. Lawrence is no stranger to the many hats that his voocation requires. Currently, he is preparing for a transition to Saint Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church.

Raised in the Baptist church, Sister Odessa  converted to Catholicism as a young adult.  During her post- college years, she worked with the Religious of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who served as a life-giving role model in the christian faith and assisted with finding her place as a convert in the Catholic Church.  However, despite personal doubts of race and socioeconomics, she didn't feel persuaded to join.  Still feeling the call to be a part of a congregation, Sister Odessa prayed to St. Rose Phillippine Duchesne for guidance and found the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.   Sister Odessa made her first (Temporary) Profession of Vows as a Sister of the Blessed Sacrament, and thus celebrated her Profession of Perpetual Vows as a Sister for Christian Community on June 16, 2016.

In this episode, I speak with Fr. T.J. Dolce who serves as the pastor of St. Martha Catholic Church in Kingwood, Texas. While serving as an altar boy with a supportive priest, this created an interest in joining the priesthood. Moreover, growing up with a desire for the Catholic faith and encouraging parents, he eventually studied at University of St. Thomas, a private Catholic university,  located in Houston, Texas and explored various diocesan retreats about vocations. This native Houstonian is on fire bringing joy and love to his parishioners.  

Recently, I spoke with Fr. Peter Damian who serves at Holy Rosary Catholic Church located in the Midtown section near Downtown Houston, Texas. His first visit in a church on Ash Wednesday sparked an internal call to Catholicism. In his teens, a Eucharistic miracle affirmed his resolve to enter the Church. This great priest is devoted to St. Martin de Porres and has an inspiring story! 

Rev. Tom Hawxhurst serves as pastor at St. Patrick Catholic Church located near the historic Fifth Ward community northeast of Downtown Houston, Texas. During our conversation a week after Tropical Storm Imelda, we discussed his well-rounded Catholic upbringing, his career transition from teacher to priest, and his communal duties at his parish. Rev. Tom Hawxhurst provides a valuable insight into his seven-year vocation as a priest!

Rev. Rodney Armstrong serves as a pastor of Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church located in the historic Fifth Ward district of Houston, Texas. Belonging to The Society of St. Joseph of the Sacred Heart (The Josephites), a congregation of priests and brothers that serve in the African-American community, Rev. Armstrong brings compassion to his parish community and the sublime joy of his African-American heritage to the priesthood.  During the interview, we discussed: Liturgical diversity, his discernment to the priesthood,  popular Saints, what it means to be a "Black Catholic", well-known Catholics of African descent, and the importance of following God's internal call to the priesthood. 

I interview Fr. Charles NDumbi who serves as a priest at St. Mary of the Purification Catholic Church located in the historic Third Ward district of Houston, Texas. We cover: What ignited the spark to become a priest, Catholicism in Africa, favorite Saints (Bl. Anuarite Maria Clementine Nengapeta & St. Charles Borromeo), how to serve in love, and biggest advice for those discerning the priesthood.  

I interview Fr. Leon Streider who serves as a priest at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church located in Houston, Texas.  This segment contains roughly 9.5 minutes that includes him answering the ultimate question for Priestly Passion: "Why did you become a priest?"