Aidan Podhajsky

Parish: Sacred Heart, Peoria

Birthdate: March 8

Seminary: Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary: Entered 2025, Class of 2033

Why did you become a seminarian?
During my high school years I went to a ton of school events, played a lot of sports, and overall just tried to have a fun time wherever I was. I had big dreams of what I wanted to do once I graduated, however I was confused, and unsettled about my future. I went on a seminary visit in January of my junior year, and even though I originally didn't want to make the trip, it ended up being very fruitful and gave me great peace! It was the first time in the process of discerning my vocation that I tried to do what God wanted for me instead of just focusing on what I desired for myself. I finally made the decision to become a seminarian, not because it was what I initially wanted, or because I thought it would be easy, but rather because I believe that God knows what will make me a stronger and holier man better than I do. 

What did you do before seminary?
I attended Chesterton Academy of the Sacred Heart high school in Peoria. I also worked a few jobs, including as a football, baseball, and soccer official.

An interesting fact about you:
I have attended 45 Iowa Hawkeye football games so far in my lifetime. I went to my first game at age 5 and have made it to every season opening game since 2014 (not including 2020).