Joshua Osborne, St. Joseph Church, Conway

Attends Saint Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana

If someone had told me I would be a seminarian six years ago, I would have never believed them. I had grown up around the Church, but my lack of interaction with priests outside of Mass meant that I never seriously considered the priesthood or religious life.

After high school, I moved from Clarksville, Tennessee, to study cybersecurity at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. While in Conway, I got involved with several volunteer opportunities at my campus ministry and local parish.

Through these experiences, I grew a special appreciation for the people and programs in each Catholic community. I saw how the Holy Spirit is truly present in those places where ordinary people sacrifice themselves for others. I did not know it at the time, but God was showing me the beauty of his Church and his love for each of us.

At the same time, I can see that God was preparing my heart for seminary before I even considered it for myself. Looking back, there were various seasons during my two years in college in which God helped me increase my faith and trust in him. God, in his providence, also introduced me to several priests who served as significant role models for me.

Their joy and reverence for the priesthood shed new light on the vocation for me. God works through our good human desires, and it was now clear my heart was moving me to the diocesan priesthood. I could never say no to this honor to imitate Christ’s priesthood by being at service to his people.

Of course, God did not stop giving me gifts once I entered the seminary. Over the past few years, I have had the opportunity to journey alongside my brother seminarians, all of whom are dedicated servants of Christ and his Church. Furthermore, I am blessed to have met many of the faith-filled Hispanic communities around the diocese. I love seeing how each community shares its unique traditions with the Church.

I look forward to working together to spread these gifts further, including to our non-Catholic friends and families. Each of us has special gifts and a way that only we can love others. When we use approach each personal encounter with the question “How can I love this person with gentleness and humility?” then we set the stage for God’s grace to work in our communities.

As I continue my formation as a seminarian, I am continually driven by the overwhelming dedication of the Catholic people here in Arkansas. I have heard many stories and met many individuals whose faith inspires them to give so much of their time and energy to the Church.

It is for these people, as well as for those who have not heard the Good News of Christ’s death and resurrection, that I wish to give my life as a diocesan priest. I look forward each day to walking with each one of you as we approach the heavenly banquet, our home with Christ. Know that all of you are in my prayers, and I humbly ask for your prayers as well. Thank you, and may God bless you.

Joshua Osborne is in the configuration stage of his priestly formation. During this stage, a seminarian models his life on the self-donation of Jesus Christ, shepherd and servant, as he prepares more immediately for holy orders. This normally lasts four years. Joshua is the son of Scott and Ellen Osborne of Conway. His birthday is July 17. If you wish to offer your prayers, mail a birthday greeting or provide other support to Joshua or any of our seminarians, please contact Georgina Pena in the Vocations Office at (501) 664-0340. This article was published Aug. 3, 2023, and updated Sept. 11, 2024. Copyright Diocese of Little Rock. All rights reserved. This article may be copied or redistributed with acknowledgement and permission of the publisher.