Fr. Will Shee, TOR
Entered 2017

About Brother Will 

Hometown: Calvin, PA

Year professed/ordained:

  • Entered the Franciscan Community: 2017
  • Professed Vows: 2019
  • Ordained: June 2024

What did you do or consider doing before entering the community?

Even before college, I was pretty sure I was going to study chemistry at the graduate level.  It was what I went to St. Francis University to study, and I really didn’t know about the friars or even religious life until I began undergrad at St. Francis

What drew you to the TOR friars?

As I got to know the friars, I realized there was something about the way they lived and carried themselves that I wanted in my own life.  There was a sense of freedom about the friars, a freedom that was a result of holiness and prayer.  I began thinking about what it would be like for me to be a friar, and began more serious discernment my senior year of college.

What are some hobbies you enjoy?

I enjoy playing piano, and music in general.  I also enjoy reading.  I’m always looking for creative ways to make coffee, from the French press to the vacuum press.

Favorite saint and why:

I like St. John of the Cross and St. Theresa of Avila especially because of their spiritual writings.  Their emphasis on simplicity and contemplation resonates with the Franciscan tradition.  Their writings make the spiritual life come alive and offer a lot to pray with.

Favorite Bible verse:

Rom. 5:5:  “Hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Current Ministry:

Currently, I’m in DC finishing theology studies at CUA for ordination.  Once I’m ordained this year in November, I’ll be able to do diaconate ministry at St. Joseph’s, our parish in Herndon, VA.

Advice to discerning men:

I think the most important thing for me when discerning was to develop my prayer life.  I think that if someone focuses on prayer, God will let them know his will in their lives in a way they will understand and that will give them peace.  Having a spiritual director also helped develop my prayer life and discern and follow God’s calling.