Our Seminarians – Diocese of Davenport Vocations

Theology Seminarians:

Dc. Isaac Doucette

Dc. Dominic Nguyen

Dc. Mike Snyder

Dane Dickinson

Pre-Theology/College Seminarians:

William Keating

Dc. Isaac Doucette

4th Year, Theology
University of St. Mary of the Lake
Mundelein Seminary
1000 E. Maple Ave.
Mundelein, IL 60060-1967

Home Parish Location: St. Mary’s, Iowa City

Why did you become a seminarian? As a seminarian, I am able to pursue God’s call in my life.

Before you entered seminary, what were you doing? I graduated from the University of Iowa. Then I worked in the financial field for the last five plus years. I also was involved in the Knights of Columbus, Fathers of Saint Joseph, 40 Days for Life, and John Paul II Medical Research Institute, among other apostolates.

An interesting fact about you: I participated in the ministry formation program through the Diocese for one year before entering the seminary.

Dc. Duoc “Dominic” Nguyen

4th Year, Theology
University of St. Mary of the Lake
Mundelein Seminary
1000 E. Maple Ave.
Mundelein, IL 60060-1967

Home Parish Location: Gia Yen Parish, Gia Kiem, Dong Nai, Vietnam. Home parish in the Davenport Diocese: Sacred Heart Cathedral, Davenport.

Why did you become a seminarian? I liked the priesthood, and I thought about it regularly. After the “Come and See” weekend at Conception, I thought I would join seminary to discern my vocation.

Before you entered seminary, what were you doing? I have been an international college student mainly at Scott Community College in Iowa. I studied full-time as a chemistry major, and I worked as a host in Tantra Asian Bistro.

An interesting fact about you: My Vietnamese name is Dược, which means medicine-related things. And so far, people have called me by 4 different names: Quang, Dược, Arthur, and Dominic.

Dc. Mike Snyder

3rd Year, Theology
Sacred Heart Seminary School of Theology
7335 S. Hwy 100
P.O. Box 429
Hales Corners, WI 53130-0429

Home Parish Location: Our Lady of Lourdes, Bettendorf

Why did you become a seminarian? God was pretty clear that He is calling me, and the Bishop didn’t reject the idea!

Before you entered seminary, what were you doing? I was the Director of the Diaconate for the diocese, part-time, and enjoying retirement from John Deere.

An interesting fact about you: Woodworking is one of my favorite hobbies, along with gardening and landscaping, golf, and classic cars. I have my grandfather’s 1967 Chevy El Camino! I also played alto saxophone in my college marching band at Kansas State.

Dane Dickinson

3rd Year, Theology
University of St. Mary of the Lake
Mundelein Seminary
1000 E. Maple Ave.
Mundelein, IL 60060-1967

Home Parish Location: St. Mary, Fairfield

Why did you become a seminarian? After several years of working in the secular world, I wanted to say “yes” to God’s plan for my life. I look forward to the opportunity to continue my discernment.

Before you entered seminary, what were you doing? I spent eight years in the automotive industry and two years as an industrial technology teacher. I was a Confirmation catechist for six years and worked with my parish youth ministry program.

An interesting fact about you: When I was younger, I spent a summer in New Mexico leading backpacking trips and another summer in Alaska sea kayaking, backpacking, and mountaineering!

William Keating

2nd Year, Pre-Theology
Vianney House
1235 Mt. Loretta Avenue
Dubuque, IA 52003

Home Parish Location: St. Patrick, Iowa City

Why did you become a seminarian? I became a seminarian because I believe God has been calling me to it. Since I was a boy, I have been fascinated with the Priesthood and have felt a tug in my heart reaching all the way back to my early memories. I have studied in various fields and have worked in various fields as well, but a longing remained in my heart all the while. After years of prayerful discernment and with the guidance of a spiritual director, I decided it was time to follow this tug of the heart and explore what God has been calling me to.

Before you entered seminary, what were you doing? Prior to entering seminary, I was working in streets construction for the City of Iowa City and finishing up my Associates of Liberal Arts from Kirkwood Community College

An interesting fact about you: I am an avid outdoorsman due in no small part to my time in service as an infantry scout in the Army National Guard.