Deacon Jessiah Rojas, a former high school football coach, is set to be ordained a priest in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Washington on June 20, marking the culmination of a spiritual journey that began on the playing fields of Maryland.
From the Sideline to the Sanctuary
Rojas grew up in Silver Spring and Upper Marlboro, navigating a childhood that was culturally Catholic before his family embraced Evangelical Protestantism. At 19, while attending Ave Maria University, he experienced a profound conversion that led him to embrace Catholicism fully. The turning point came under the guidance of Father Scott Woods, whose authenticity and availability left an indelible impression on the young coach.
After entering Saint John Paul II Seminary in 2020, Rojas continued his formation at Mount St. Mary's Seminary, deepening his theological studies and pastoral skills. The formation process, he says, mirrored the discipline he once applied to sports, but now directed toward serving the Church.
The ordination ceremony will take place at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception, a historic site that underscores the significance of his vocation. Following his priestly ordination, Rojas will celebrate his first Mass on Sunday, June 21, at St. John Francis Regis Church in Hollywood, Maryland, before assuming his ministry at Sacred Heart Parish in La Plata.
Rojas’s parents, Nick and Roxanne Rojas, had been culturally Catholic before converting to Evangelical Protestantism, a shift that placed the family at the intersection of two religious traditions. Their openness to his exploration, he notes, provided a unique backdrop for his eventual return to the Catholic faith.
Rojas finds hope in the faith of young people and sees the Church as a source of stability and truth amid a rapidly changing world. He believes that the Church’s timeless teachings offer a compass for those navigating modern uncertainties.
A New Chapter Begins
As he steps into ordained ministry, Rojas joins a long line of clergy who have transitioned from secular professions to the altar, bringing with them the lessons of teamwork, perseverance, and mentorship. His story illustrates how a love for mentoring youth can evolve into a lifelong commitment to guiding souls toward Christ.