Seminarian Samuel Freemark

diocesan seminarian

Sam is originally from Arnprior but has lived and worked in Ottawa for the past several years. He worked for Hydro Ottawa prior to applying for seminary. Sam is entering his first year of seminary studies at St. Peter’s in London, ON.

Vocation story

I grew up on a hobby farm just outside of Arnprior with my father, David, mother, Anne, and twin sister, Maureen. Although our family initially attended Mass regularly, we gradually lapsed not long after Maureen's and my confirmation. After high school, I pursued a career in electrical engineering, studying at Algonquin College and later at the University of Ottawa. However, during my university years, I struggled with depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.

In the fall of 2018, I hit my lowest point. Addiction had taken control, and I felt powerless to change it. But by the grace of God, I attended a Mass at St. Patrick’s Basilica in Ottawa after seeing the front doors open while walking past one evening. Once inside, I experienced a profound sense of peace—I felt like I was home. That same week, I prayed the Our Father for the first time in many years. The next morning, it was as if a fog had lifted. I felt like I knew what I had to do and had the strength to do it. But what’s more, I knew deep down that God was real and had answered my prayers.

After these experiences, I saw life differently. Sharing the Good News felt like the only thing that really mattered. However, since I had a mountain of debt to climb, I completed my engineering degree in 2021 and worked for three years in the industry. During that time, there have been ups and downs. But the call to share His Good News through the vocation of the priesthood has grown strong. I hope and pray that through this discernment, I will learn more about who our loving God is and how He wants me to serve Him.