What drew him to priesthood:
Other priests - many from his family - played a big part in Todd Budde's decision to become a priest. Four of Budde's great uncles have long served the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. Gerard, George, John and Raymond Budde were priests. Budde also credits Rev. Ed Wieland, who served as pastor of St. Peter's in Beaver Dam, Wis., as a guiding force in his decision. Fr. Wieland is now retired.

What he's looking most forward to:
"Serving God's people," Budde said. After being absorbed in textbooks and tests for the last five years at Saint Francis Seminary, he's looking forward to working with people.

Birth place/date
Beaver Dam, Wis., on Dec. 30, 1969

Colleges/universities
Marquette University, 1992, Bachelor's degree in History. Saint Francis Seminary, 2001, Master of Divinity degree

Parish internship
Mother of Perpetual Help, Milwaukee
St. Stephen the Martyr Parish, Milwaukee

Preaching practicum
St. Dominic's, Brookfield

Other memberships
Knights of Columbus in Beaver Dam

Family
Parents and one brother

Hobbies
A history buff who likes to read and see movies.

Post-Ordination Schedule
Sunday, May 20 - Mass of Thanksgiving, St. Peter Parish, Beaver Dam
Tuesday, June 19 - Begins service at St. Roman Parish, Milwaukee


Javier Bustos Biography

What drew him to priesthood:
"I come from a very religious family," said Javier Bustos. "My father had wanted to become a priest." Involved in his parish since childhood, Bustos later became a high school teacher, university professor and news reporter. A Venezuelan priest working in Africa encouraged Bustos to talk with other priests and eventually pursue priestly formation studies. Although visiting Wisconsin for the first time in February, 1997, was cold for a man who considers 80 degrees cold in Maricaibo, Venezuela, he said he's grown to like the climate and culture.

What he's looking most forward to:
"Be part of and grow with a community," Bustos said. "I want to serve them, learn from them, listen to them and be creative in my service to them."

Advice to those considering priesthood
"If you're really looking for happiness, remember happiness doesn't come easily. It's something that challenges us," he said. "Everyone has a vocation. We're all part of the Church orchestra."

Birth place/date
Venezuela, May 8, 1967

Colleges/universities
Cecilio Acosta in Venezuela, Philosophy degree, 1993; Journalism degree, 1995
Universidad del Zulia in Venezuela, Master's degree in philosophy, 1997
Saint Francis Seminary, Master of Divinity degree, May 2001

Parish internship
St. Mary's Parish, Elm Grove

Preaching practicum
St. Joseph's Parish, Waukesha

Other service
St. Vincent DePaul, Hispanic population
St. Joseph, Waukesha
Pastoral work at Children's Hospital, Wauwatosa
Ministry to migrant workers, Dousman

Other memberships
Knights of Columbus, Dousman, Wis.

Family
Parents, two brothers, three sisters

Hobbies
Watching plays, listening to Latin and classical music and movies.

Post-Ordination Schedule
Sunday, May 20 - Mass of Thanksgiving at St. Gregory the Great Parish, Milwaukee June 2 - Bustos will preside at his sister's wedding in Venezuela June 19 - Bustos begins service at St. Mark Parish, Kenosha. St. Mark's was the first parish Bustos visited during his first trip to the United States in 1996.


Oriol Regales Biography

What drew him to priesthood:
Self-described as "a Catholic by name" for much of his young life, Oriol Regales said he became enamored with serving others through youth group work and social work in Barcelona, Spain. He recalls a turning point in his decision to pursue priesthood came when he went to Kenya for three years as a lay missionary. He decided to pursue priestly formation studies when he was 21 years old and entered Saint Francis Seminary when he was 24.

What he's looking most forward to:
"Supporting people in moments of trouble and rejoicing. Being a prophetic voice," Regales said. He hopes to continue his youth group leadership.

Advice to others considering priesthood:
"If you think you're possibly interested in priesthood, go for it!" he says. "It's a cool way of living."

Birth place/date
Barcelona, Spain on November 11, 1971

Colleges/universities
University of Barcelona, 1990-94, PHL licensure in philosophy
Saint Francis Seminary, 1996-2001, Master of Divinity degree

Parish internships
St. Mary Parish, Mayville, Wis.
St. Andrew Parish, Le Roy, Wis.

Preaching practicum
St. Paul's Apostle, Racine

Other service
St. Mark Parish, Kenosha
St. Patrick, Racine
Prince of Peace/Principe de Paz, Milwaukee

Other memberships
Member of Missionary Community of St. Paul, Racine
Knights of Columbus

Family
Parents and two sisters live in Spain.

Hobbies
Music, including playing the guitar, and movies

Post-Ordination Schedule
Sunday, May 20 - Mass of Thanksgiving, Prince of Peace/Principe de Paz, Milwaukee
Tuesday, June 19 - Begins service at St. Mary Parish, Kenosha