Authentic Masculinity and Maturing in Grace - Fr. John VanDorpe

When Fr. John VanDorpe, LC, first stepped into the apostolic school as a young boy from Ohio, he didn’t realize he was beginning a 20-year journey of formation and growth that would take him across continents and deepen his love for God and His Church. Today, as a Legionary priest and vocation director, Fr. John shares his inspiring story—a journey marked by trust, challenges, and the unmistakable fingerprints of the Holy Spirit leading him every step of the way.

The First Spark

Fr. John grew up in a loving Catholic family in Dayton, Ohio, the oldest of seven siblings. Though his parents were faithful Sunday Catholics, it wasn’t until they encountered the Regnum Christi movement that their spiritual life deepened. Through a local boys’ club apostolate of Regnum Christi called Conquest, John met the Legionaries of Christ, a group of priests whose dedication to the faith left a lasting impression on him.

For Fr. John, the first moment of clarity came during a confirmation retreat. In prayer, he felt Christ speaking directly to him: “I want you to follow me.” At just 13 years old, he took a leap of faith and joined the Legionaries’ apostolic school in New Hampshire, leaving behind his family to begin discerning his vocation.

The Road to Priesthood

Fr. John’s formation years were full of both joy and challenges. He spent two years in Dublin, Ireland, for novitiate—a time he describes as the "university where you study Christ on your knees." Later, he continued his formation in Connecticut, New York, and eventually Rome, where he completed advanced studies in philosophy and theology.

At each stage, obedience played a key role in shaping his vocation. Fr. John recalls moments of disappointment, such as being assigned to New York instead of Rome for philosophy studies. Yet, looking back, he recognizes these detours as blessings: “God knew what He was doing all along,” he reflects.

One of his most formative experiences was a three-year mission in Mexico, serving as a formator for middle school boys at a boarding school. Though it was exhausting and at times overwhelming, Fr. John credits this period of intense responsibility with helping him grow in humility and trust. “The Lord used my weakness to show me His strength,” he says.

A Priest for Others

In 2022, after years of preparation, Fr. John was ordained to the priesthood in St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. Surrounded by his fellow Legionaries and loved ones, he embraced his calling as a priest not for himself, but for the Church. “Priesthood is a gift—not something I earned, but something given to me for others,” he shares.

Today, Fr. John serves as a vocation director in Atlanta, Georgia, helping young men discern their call to the priesthood and religious life. He finds great joy in guiding others through the same process of discovery that transformed his life.

Advice for Those Discerning

For anyone discerning their vocation, Fr. John offers this encouragement: “Do not be afraid. God will never reveal the whole plan at once, but He will show you the next step. Follow grace today, and let Him lead you step by step.”

Fr. John’s journey is a testament to the power of trust, the beauty of obedience, and the joy of living fully for God. Whether in the mountains of New Hampshire, the classrooms of Mexico, or the streets of Rome, the Holy Spirit was always at work, guiding him closer to the heart of Christ.

To hear more about Fr. John’s story, listen to his episode on the Tabella Catholic App. Be inspired by his journey and join us in praying for more laborers in God’s vineyard. Download the app today!