Meet New Seminarian Matt Nadalin

Matt is from Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish

Matt Nadalin is from Grove City, Ohio and is an Our Lady of Perpetual Help parishioner where he attended elementary and middle school. He is the only child of an active Catholic family. Matt began playing the piano at age 7 and the organ at age 12.

Learning to Play the Organ

In eighth grade, Matt was asked to play the organ at Church for school masses and for weekend masses too. “It was great. I was at Church a lot practicing after school as we didn’t have an organ at home,” said Matt. “I think that was when I began to hear the call to the priesthood.”

St. Charles High School Bands

He thought about the priesthood while in middle school, but the idea really took root in high school. He attended St. Charles and was active as a pianist in Jazz and Pep bands. He also played the organ for weekly Mass. He met a lot of priests during this time and he enjoyed talking to them and he was inspired by them.

Thinking about the Priesthood

“I never realized how busy priests are. They celebrate Mass and then they run to serve at a hospital. I like to be busy too, so I began thinking more seriously about the priesthood,” said Matt.
In 2006, Matt and a Theology teacher began a Vocations group that met once a week after school to pray.

Praying about his Vocation

“I loved attending St. Charles. It is a great school. It definitely helped nurture my vocation since it is an all-boys school.” said Matt. “I had time to pray about my vocation.”
At that time, Fr. Bennett had encouraged Matt to consider seminary. Another priest encouraged Matt to pursue his music. “I prayed about that a lot, but at that time music was still my main emphasis,” said Matt.

Attending Choir College

Matt attended one year at Westminster Choir College in Princeton, N.J. where he was a Sacred Music major. “It was a great experience, but something was still missing,” said Matt.
In the spring of 2009, Matt spoke with Fr. Jeff Coning, Vocations Director about entering seminary. He spent the summer living at home and played the organ in his home parish, attended daily Mass, and appreciated the open time to pray.

Seminary Life with Prayer and Music

He began seminary in August, 2009 at the Pontifical College Josephinum. “I love being at the Josephinum. They have a phenomenal music program. The men have a great attitude and everyone wants to be there,” said Matt. “The community prayer is great and it reminds me that I am not the only one here,” said Matt. “It is just a great group of men and I look forward to working with them someday.”

Parent Support

Matt said that his parents are very supportive of his move to seminary. “They are happy when I am happy.”

Give Seminary a Try

His advice to men who might be considering seminary, “Give it a try. There is no shame in finding out it is not right for you.”