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About Me
About Me
Greetings! My name is Nick Swanson. I am a Minnesota native, a Catholic, and a seminarian for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. That means I am studying to become a Roman Catholic priest at The St. Paul Seminary in St. Paul, MN. I earned an MA in economics from George Mason University in Virginia where I was pursuing (without completing) a PhD just prior to starting seminary in 2025. A few years earlier I earned a BA in history from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
How You Can Support Me
How You Can Support Me
First and foremost, through prayer! I say this sincerely because it was through developing a robust life of prayer that I heard the call to enter seminary. Prayer will sustain me in my discernment. Second, I would be abundantly grateful to receive financial support. Let me explain why. While the seminary and Archdiocese provide much for seminary formation (e.g., tuition), there remain personal expenses I have to cover on my own (college debt, books, car, gas, medical, etc.). Having entered seminary straight out of school, I possess little savings. Likewise work opportunities during seminary are extremely limited. Recurring monthly gifts are especially appreciated.
Make a Gift:
Make a Gift:
Contributions or gifts to Nicholas Swanson are not tax deductible as charitable contributions.
Please note: If you sign up through this link, I recommend not selecting the “Ensure this family keeps 100% of my donation” option, since that option adds an additional 13% fee.
Without selecting that option, the platform charges a 2.7% processing fee. You can simply enter the amount you’d like to contribute, and I’ll receive slightly less than that after the processing fee.
If you’d like me to receive the full amount you intend to give, you can increase your contribution slightly to cover the 2.7% fee (e.g., if you intend for me to receive $100, you could contribute $103).
More About Me
More About Me
Totus Tuus Missionary
Totus Tuus Missionary
In summer 2026 I served as a Totus Tuus missionary at several Catholic parishes in the Twin Cities for seven weeks. Totus Tuus is a Catholic summer youth program run in parishes throughout the Midwest. One fun thing for the kids is that they get to “sundae” (pour ice cream toppings over) one of the adult missionaries such as myself.
The "Propaedeutic" Year
The "Propaedeutic" Year
In August 2025 I began seminary formation at The St. Paul Seminary adjacent to the Mississpi River in St. Paul, MN. The first year of seminary, called the “propaedeutic” year, consists of a technology fast, close-knit community living, a ministry immersion experience, and ample time for prayer and reflection.
Living in DC
Living in DC
While living in the Washington, D.C. area prior to seminary, I got to do lots of cool things. A highlight was the 14 hours overnight I spent outside the US Supreme Court awaiting oral arguments in a closely-watched case. When my friend and I finally got in, we were exhausted but exhilarated.
Summer in Poland
Summer in Poland
In summer 2024 I had the opportunity to participate in the Tertio Millenio Seminar on the Free Society in Krakow, Poland where I studied Catholic social teaching with George Weigel and Russell Hittinger and relived central moments in the life of St. John Paul II. A highlight for me was visiting the saint's childhood home in Wadowice, Poland.
Studying Economics
Studying Economics
Immediately after finishing undergraduate, I pursued a two-year master’s degree in economics at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. I was a member of the Adam Smith Program there where I studied history, philosophy, politics, and economics.
College Days
College Days
I double majored in history and Hispanic studies at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. I graduated summa cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. I earned honors certificates in theology, philosophy, and the humanities. I was involved in the Knights of Columbus, among other clubs on campus.
Make a Gift:
Make a Gift:
Contributions or gifts to Nicholas Swanson are not tax deductible as charitable contributions.
Please note: If you sign up through this link, I recommend not selecting the “Ensure this family keeps 100% of my donation” option, since that option adds an additional 13% fee.
Without selecting that option, the platform charges a 2.7% processing fee. You can simply enter the amount you’d like to contribute, and I’ll receive slightly less than that after the processing fee.
If you’d like me to receive the full amount you intend to give, you can increase your contribution slightly to cover the 2.7% fee (e.g., if you intend for me to receive $100, you could contribute $103).
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