Welcoming Seminarian Tyler Underhill Home to Our Faith Community

After three years in Rome, parishioner Tyler Underhill is excited to be back in the Washington area for the summer.

“I have only been back one other time since starting my studies in Rome, “ Tyler says. “It is always such a joy to see fellow parishioners, to celebrate the liturgy with them, and of course to see my family and friends!”

Tyler, a lifelong parishioner of Our Lady of Hope, has been working on his seminary studies in Rome, and as he nears his diaconate ordination this September, he is back in Indiana to serve Holy Family Parish in Jasper for the summer.

“I am so excited to be home,” Tyler says. “And even though I am not serving at Our Lady of Hope, I plan to visit often. I hope to get to know the parish community well during my time there. I am looking forward to learning a lot about parish life from Holy Family’s pastor, Fr. Jeff Read.”

Tyler says his studies in Rome have deepened his faith in remarkable ways, and he is looking forward to using what he’s gained in Rome to serve the local church here in Indiana.

“My time in Rome has been filled with great blessings,” Tyler says. “I have had the opportunity to see how Catholicism is practiced by many different cultures as many of my classmates are from all around the world. I have had the opportunity to grow closer to many saints while here as well. So many of the saints are buried around the city. Many of the churches here contain a saint’s body or relics. To be able to pray with the saints in such a tangible way has been wonderful for my faith life.”

With a strengthened life of faith and a greater understanding of Christ and His Church, Tyler is thrilled about his ordination.

“I cannot wait to assist at Mass as a deacon,” Tyler says. “Being able to assist the priest and to preach are two elements of diaconal ministry that I am very excited to carry out.”

He will flourish in the role of preacher as he offers us some sound advice.

“Always be open,” Tyler says. “Be open to the Lord’s call in your lives. Be open to where He may be leading you. Be open to the daily encounters you have, not only with the Lord, but with those He has put in your life as well. Our Lady of Hope gives us an incredible example of what it means to be open to the Lord. Her ‘yes,’ and her openness to the Lord, led to our salvation!”

What’s more, speaking specifically to those of us who may be discerning a religious vocation, Tyler offers valuable advice.

“Be not afraid!” he says. “Talk to the Lord. Take time to pray about this calling. Talk to a priest or religious and know that the prayers of the Church are with you.”

Tyler says that our parish’s support, and in a particular way the support of Fr. Paul, has had a huge impact on his ability to hear God’s call and follow it. He prays that the same is true for all Our Lady of Hope parishioners.

“This parish is special,” Tyler says. “The support for vocations here is unlike most other parishes, and it matters. It makes a difference.”

If you see Tyler around the parish over the summer, be sure to tell him “hello” and offer him your love and prayers as he continues his studies. We look forward to seeing Tyler around and are joyfully anticipating having him back as Deacon Tyler very soon!

Tyler Underhill and the Diocese of Evansville Vocations Director, Fr. Tyler Tenbarge, during a lunch at the Pontifical North American College Seminary

Tyler Underhill

Tyler Underhill on Easter break at the Abbey of Einsiedeln in Switzerland with two Benedictine Monks of St. Meinrad — Br. Joel Blaize and Fr. Edward Linton