A website search while considering the priesthood led Andrew Ouma to discover the Paulist Fathers' charism - and he saw himself as part of the Paulist community. After contacting the Paulist Vocations Director at the time, Andrew gained the confidence and got the guidance he needed to pursue a priestly vocation. He entered the Paulist Novitiate in Washington, D.C., in October 2023 and made his First Promises to the Paulist Fathers on Aug. 31, 2024.

According to Andrew, the Paulist Fathers’ charism of evangelization, reconciliation, and ecumenical and interfaith dialogue are the reasons he wants to be a priest.

“Coming from Kenya, I have had contact with other church traditions, such as Muslims, Protestants (Anglicans and Seventh Day Adventists). My sister Lilian, for example, has converted to Anglican, and brother Linus has converted to Seventh Day Adventist. Also, my best friend in primary school was a Muslim. In high school, I also had the experience of living and studying with people from these church traditions,” Andrew explained.

A native of Kenya, Andrew earned an undergraduate degree in Philosophy with a minor in Religious Studies from The Catholic University of Eastern Africa in Nairobi.

He spent the last several years living in Brazil, where he taught English to middle school students.

However, the calling to explore a priestly vocation was always with him.

“I have always had the desire to be a priest,” Andrew stated. “However, it is something that I had always put off and never taken seriously since I wanted to prove to myself that I can be successful in life and not escape - as most people in my circle viewed priesthood.”

Andrew described how his fellowship with seminarians, religious men and women, and priests while studying at Catholic University of Eastern Africa and his life as a volunteer in Brazil helped change his thinking of the priesthood.

“I had been comfortable with the fact that priests are human beings like myself, striving each day to sanctify their lives through their sacramental ministry and service to the people. This is why I reached out to the Paulist Fathers Vocation Director,” he explained.

Andrew was accepted to the Paulist Novitiate and moved to Hecker House, the Paulist Fathers house of formation and studies in Washington, D.C., in October 2023. He made his First Promise to the Paulist Fathers on Aug. 31, 2024.

“The Paulist emphasis on the Holy Spirit guiding each member to use their particular gifts and talents to carry out the Paulist mission also attracted me,” he stated. “From my experience working as a teacher, I have learned to be open minded and ready to learn always; adapting to the various circumstances; listening to the people empathetically and a strong sense of duty and responsibility. I see myself contributing to the Paulist mission and life of the Paulist Fathers wherever I may be sent.”