OLL: We would like to share an update on alumni Joshua Nehnevaj. First a reminder of who he is….

Josh: I am the eldest child of Jerry and Tracy Nehnevaj, with four siblings Daniel, Maria, Theresa, and Steven.

OLL: What do you remember most about Lourdes school?

Josh: I graduated from Lourdes in 2008. I especially remember Karen Burnham, the youth minister at the time, Mr. Nutter and Mr. Massey, both math teachers, Mr. Delgadillo, a track coach, and Mr. Mullis, a swim coach, as influences on my life in terms of encouraging me to do just a little bit better and to learn just a little bit more.

OLL: What are your favorite Lourdes memories?

Josh: My favorite memories were mostly from swimming and track as I really enjoyed both, and even set a few school records (that have since been broken). I also remember being in Mr. Massey’s independent study group for Math, where I learned how to be disciplined and to learn things on my own.

OLL: Here’s the exciting update – we heard you are going to Rome – how long will you be there?

Josh: I will be there for 4 or 5 years. Those years are broken up into three years of study for the Bachelor of Sacred Theology (STB). After receiving the STB, I will be ordained a deacon. Then, I will begin the second cycle of studies which is either one year of study for a certificate or two years for a Licentiate of Sacred Theology (STL). Regardless, one year after being ordained a deacon I will be ordained a priest. During the first two years I will not be allowed to return home. This means that during the summer after my first year I will get the opportunity to have a ministry assignment somewhere in Europe. The following summers will be spent back home at a ministry assignment somewhere in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

OLL: Can you tell us a little more about the program?

Josh: Yes, I will be studying theology, taking classes at the Pontifical Gregorian University where the classes are taught entirely in Italian, so I also have to learn Italian before classes start. The program of study includes scripture, sacraments, liturgy, canon law, Greek, Hebrew, church history, moral theology, spiritual theology, and systematic theology.

OLL: Where will you be living?

Josh: At the Pontifical North American College seminary where I will receive some of the more practical training on how to be an effective priest, including the more pastoral and spiritual parts of priesthood. I will have a ministry assignment somewhere in Rome each year to help achieve this goal.

OLL: Do you have any favorite seminary moments you would like to share?

Josh: I have really enjoyed the community aspect of seminarian. It has been truly incredible to be a part of a community that shares the same goal. Even despite how different every seminarian is, our love for Christ and our desire to serve His Church unites us. I have also enjoyed meeting various people in the Archdiocese of Seattle, who have invited me to share in their lives in a deeper way. Additionally, I appreciate being able to incorporate more prayer into my life, especially liturgical prayers like the Liturgy of the Hours and daily Mass.

OLL: What are you most looking forward to?

Josh: In the short term, I am looking forward to learning Italian and visiting Lourdes, France. More long term, I am looking forward to inviting people to meet Jesus, especially through the sacraments, as a priest.

OLL: Grazie Josh, viaggio sicuro, sei nelle nostre preghiere (safe journey, you are in our prayers)