Sulpicians: Ministry Profile, Fr. Bud Stevens

A Contagious Enthusiasm

In his new position as vice rector, Father Bud Stevens continues to be enthusiastic about the community of the Sulpicians. "Teaching at the seminary was better than I even imagined it would be. There's something about living and working in a community of scholars that creates an environment where everything is possible." His duties as vice rector have only enhanced his experience with the Sulpicians. Supervising the admissions process, overseeing the formation program, and teaching a full class load, Fr. Stevens enjoys sharing his love of learning and of the priesthood with his students and peers.

Fr. Stevens knew at an early age that he wanted to teach and also wanted to become a priest. The son of an Episcopalian minister, he converted to Catholicism while in high school. Following his love of academics, he taught at Tennessee State University in his hometown of Nashville and at Duquesne University. He felt a strong call to the priesthood, and was encouraged by his pastor, a graduate of Theological College, to contact the Sulpicians.

An Authentic Dedication
When he was training to join the Sulpicians, Fr. Stevens discovered that sharing his life with his students was an important teaching tool. "When you're preparing men for ministry, you don't want a disconnect between what they learn in the classroom and their lives in the parish. I try to create intentional points of contact between what we're studying and ‘real life'. My faith has been rekindled by working and living with these students. It's their hopefulness that inspires me."

Fr. Stevens enjoys the communal nature of the Sulpicians as well as the high caliber of fellow professors and the diversity of the student body. He feels fortunate that he now has the opportunity to share both his gift of teaching and his love of the priesthood with teens through Youth Theological Studies, an advanced placement class for high school juniors.. High school students, construction workers, and biomedical engineers, all bringing very different life experiences, help Fr. Stevens fulfill his calling. "I took to the work immediately," says Fr. Stevens. "I have never had a moment's regret. It is important to have a cadre of men who still have an authentic dedication to ministry. And I have found them here within the Sulpician community."

Looking Forward…
A committed member for several years, Fr. Bud Stevens looks forward to continuing to live out his priestly ministry within the Sulpician community. He loves teaching at the seminary level, sharing his life experiences and learning from others' experiences as well. For him, it is not a job, but truly a vocation. For those interested in the combination of academics and the priesthood, he encourages them to talk with their bishop. "If one sees that God is leading, you will be supported in fulfilling your calling."