Fr. Juan Carlos Altamirano

Fr. Juan-Carlos was born and raised in Nicaragua. He is the son of Roger and Hilda Altamirano Herrera. Ever since he was a teenager, he always felt a call to the priesthood and describes it as “a flame that never went out,” although it was stronger at times than at others. In 2013, as a sophomore in college majoring in Economics, he was awarded a two-year scholarship to study English and Entrepreneurship here in Appleton, WI. He was hosted by Carol Lawrence, a member of St. Therese Parish, who helped him learn English and also foster his priestly vocation. 

In May of 2015, he completed his studies in Appleton and returned to Nicaragua, where he worked in the business and teaching industry for about a year. In 2016 he returned to Appleton to complete his associate degree in business management. However, he never imagined that this second trip to Appleton would lead him to answer the call to the priesthood and become a seminarian for the Diocese of Green Bay. It was during a midnight holy hour here at our St. Pius X Parish adoration chapel, in the midst of deep prayer and silence that he received the grace to answer Jesus’ call to follow him as his diocesan priest. He began his seminary formation in Winona, Minnesota at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in 2017 and completed his philosophy studies at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. Fr. Juan-Carlos was ordained a priest last month on May 25 at our cathedral by Bishop Ricken. He was ordained with Fr. Mark Rydell, who will be serving at the Catholic parishes in Kaukauna.

Fr. Juan-Carlos looks forward to serving the faithful here in Appleton. His assignment also includes assisting Fr. Ryan Starks, pastor at neighboring St. Therese parish, as Fr. Ryan assumes the new responsibility of serving also as Chaplain at Xavier High School.