Hello, my name is Andrew Lauricella. I was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and lived right around the corner from St. Margaret's Parish. Buffalo where I attended grades K-8 and Mass every Sunday. I am the eldest of four siblings. I have a sister who is 19, and two brothers who are 17 and 14. After finishing school at St. Margaret's, I attended Cardinal O'Hara High School. It was there that I met Fr. Leon Biernat, who was both high school chaplain and Director of Vocations for our diocese. He would often speak with the students about the need for priests and about the many challenges and rewards of ordained ministry. After listening to him, thoughts of entering the seminary crossed my mind, but I was not quite sure if that was what I wanted to do. Faster than I imagined, senior year came and I had to make a serious decision about what career I would follow. I shared my thoughts with Fr. Leon and he introduced me to the Pope John Paul II Residence. He told me that I could live at the residence while attending college and further discerning my vocation. I figured that I would give it a shot.
          After high school graduation, I moved into the John Paul II Residence and began studies at D'Youville College majoring in philosophy. I enjoyed every moment there. The student body at DYC was very small, yet diverse. I had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people from all over the globe and from many walks of life. This diversity, along with that college's charitable philosophy allowed me to witness God at work among us in many different, beautiful ways. It also gave me the opportunity to make some of my closest friends.  I found it terrific being able to engage in college activities that allowed me to have great friends both inside and outside of formation.           
          After completing my bachelor's degree last spring, I felt inclined to continue following my priestly vocation and enroll at Christ the King Seminary. This past year I have made new friends and encountered the many joys and challenges of life in major seminary. My classes are challenging, but fruitful. Since I have been here, I have taken up the hobbies of bike riding and making music. There is a great bunch of guys here who are always ready to lend a helping hand in whatever way they can. I am now completing my first year and preparing for my summer parish assignment in Wellsville, New York. God Bless you ~ please continue to pray for vocations.