James Schnitzler
I am a Deacon for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston, Texas. My home parish is St. Teresa’s in Sugar Land, and I recently completed a pastoral internship year, which was a deeply enriching experience. It allowed me to engage in many aspects of parish life and to grow in understanding the reality of a life of self-gift in priestly ministry.
Originally from Calgary, Alberta, Canada, I moved to the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston about three and a half years ago. Calgary is often described as the “Texas of Canada,” and while the transition was significant, I have grown very grateful for the move and feel well established here in the Archdiocese.
I have an older brother, Matthew Schnitzler, and we are both Deacons for the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston. Sharing this journey within the same Archdiocese has been a meaningful gift for both of us.
My sense of vocation began early in childhood, around the age of five, at St. Joseph’s Parish in Calgary. I was especially influenced by two Polish missionary Salvatorian priests whose humility, joy, and dedication to the liturgy and the people of God made a lasting impression on me. Their example, along with their missionary work in places such as India and Tanzania, played a significant role in shaping my early desire for the priesthood.
That desire remained present through high school and beyond, even while I pursued other interests such as music and sports. Over time, I came to see that these gifts needed a deeper purpose within the context of serving God and building up His Church.
Throughout seminary formation, I have been involved in various pastoral and charitable ministries, including street outreach in Canada, service at a home for the mentally disabled, Clinical Pastoral Education, and hospital ministry in North Dakota. These experiences have been profoundly formative, especially in encountering human suffering and learning humility through service.
I also greatly enjoy working with youth. During my pastoral internship year, I taught faith formation and confirmation preparation, which was one of the most rewarding aspects of my formation, as I witnessed the fruits of seminary studies in parish life.
For those discerning, I would say vocation is not a linear path but a process of ongoing discernment. The priesthood is not simply a career but a configuration to Christ Himself. It requires patience, prayer, and openness to the Holy Spirit, trusting that God guides each step in His time.