Diocesan Seminarians

The seminarians studying for our diocese and the priests serving our people are ordinary men whom God has chosen to do great things.  They are our neighbors, friends and fellow parishioners. These men are the sons of the mothers and fathers with whom we live, work and play. They are the grandsons and great grandsons of pioneers, homesteaders and immigrants. Some are immigrants themselves, who have left the security of their homeland to minister in this country. They hold in their hearts a love for all of God's people and they enrich our local church with their language and culture. Their presence reminds us of the true universality of our Catholic Church.
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Jeff Core
Jeff grew up in Walla Walla. His undergraduate degrees are in history and philosophy from Holy Names College in Oakland, CA. After college Jeff worked for the Idaho Food bank, then as Director of Young Adult Ministry for the Treasure Valley in the Diocese of Boise, and as the Director of Campus Ministry and Freshman Programs at the University of Great Falls in Montana. He is currently in his first year of theological studies at the Catholic University in Washington D.C. Jeff was raised a member of St. Thomas More Parish, Spokane, where his parents are still members.


David Gaines
From an Air Force family, David has lived in many places but his family has settled in Cheney.  He is currently completing a philosophy degree at Gonzaga University where he is leader of the popular singing group, “Big Bing Theory”. David also created a seminarian choir; this year the group will sing the Ave Maria and Divine Praises, among others.

Jason Hiner
Jason is currently in his first year of theology study at Mt. Angel Seminary. Before entering the seminary, Jason worked with the L’Arche community in Spokane and continues to be very active as a volunteer.

David Kuttner
David was born and raised in Spokane.  David entered the priestly formation program after several successful years as teacher and coach. David is currently in his final year of theology study at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.   


Kris Leistritz
Kris was born and raised in Pasco, where he and his family are members of St. Patrick Parish.  Kris earned a degree in Philosophy in 2006 from Gonzaga University and is currently in his second year of theology studies at The American College in, Leuven, Belgium.

Matthew Larsen
Matthew is in his fourth year of theological studies at the Catholic University in Washington D.C. A Spokane native and graduate of Gonzaga Law School, Matthew and his family are members of St. Francis Xavier Parish in Spokane. He will be ordained to the transitional diaconate in the spring.

Jeff Lewis
A native of Spokane, Jeff has earned both bachelors and masters degrees from W.S.U.  He completed philosophy studies at Gonzaga University in May of 2007 and is now in his first year of theological studies at the Catholic University in Washington D.C.  Jeff is a talented musician whose trumpet can often be heard in parishes throughout the city. 

Ricardo Flores Mendez
Ricardo was born and raised in Mexico.  He has completed the English as a Second Language program at Gonzaga University and has begun studies at Mt. Angel seminary, St. Benedict, Oregon.  Ricardo has assisted with the Spanish Mass at St. Joseph Parish in Spokane.

Siloe Perez Gomez
Siloé is a native of Vera Cruz Mexico.  He successfully completed the E.S.L. program at Gonzaga University and is currently a sophomore philosophy major.  He spent this past summer working with Hispanics in Oroville and Omak, Washington.   

Luta Nsubuga
Luta is a 2005 graduate of WSU and has also completed his philosophy studies at Gonzaga University.  While at WSU, Luta was very active with pastoral ministry at the Newman Center.  A native of Uganda and permanent resident of the U.S., Luta is in his second year of theological studies at Catholic University in Washington DC.

Matthew Nicks
Matthew was born and raised in Spokane and is currently in his fourth year of theology studies at the Pontifical North American College in Vatican City.  Matthew spent last year assisting at Assumption Parish in Spokane and has assisted in several other parishes throughout the city. He was ordained to the diaconate at Assumption Parish at the conclusion of his pastoral year and will be ordained to the priesthood in June.


Kevin Oiland
Another Spokane native, Kevin has completed three years of theological studies at Mt. Angel Seminary, St. Benedict, Oregon.  Kevin will be ordained to the transitional diaconate in the spring before completed his final year of theology studies.

Tyler Smedley
Tyler finished his philosophy studies at Gonzaga in 2006 and is now in his first year of theological studies at the Catholic University in Washington D.C. He spent all of last year assisting at St. Charles Parish in Spokane. Tyler is from Odessa and Tenino and enjoys reading and exercise.
   

   
             
Spokane Catholic Diocese
1023 W Riverside Avenue :: P.O. Box 1453
Spokane, WA 99201-1453
Telephone 509 358-7300 :: Fax 509 358-7302