Father Stefan Yap

Priesthood Class of 2020 (Catholic Standard):
Sacraments helped Deacon Stefan Yap renew his faith, now he looks forward to sharing sacraments as a priest 


My life before the seminary:

I graduated from the University of Maryland College Park with a degree in Mathematics and Statistics in May 2014. While taking classes at UMD, I was working as an IT Helpdesk Specialist at the XFinity Center for the Department of Athletics. During my time at Maryland, when I was not at work, I would spend my time at the Catholic Student Center hanging out with friends and playing volleyball. 

What convinced me to enter the seminary:

It took me about 2 years, a lot of grace, and the prayers of many people to help me to decide to enter the seminary. I was in my third year of college and Fr. Rob Walsh helped me to understand what the priesthood actually was. He gave me the book “To Save A Thousand Souls” by Fr. Brett Brannan which helped me with a lot of questions I had, and Fr. Rob challenged me to enter deeper into my faith. I began to surround myself with the sacraments, going to daily mass as often as I can, going to confession regularly, and praying in front of the Blessed Sacrament. As I continued through the rest of college the calling to the priesthood started to become clearer, which helped me to fully commit to discernment and seminary. 

Other interests include: 

As a former IT Helpdesk Specialist, anything in the realm of technology catches my attention. I read many technology blogs and magazines to keep up to date, and have built a number of different computers. I also enjoy playing volleyball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, and tennis. I am a budding bonsai enthusiast, no pun intended, and since walking the Camino de Santiago de Compostela, enjoy hiking as well.