Father Eric Augenstein became vocations director for the Archdiocese in January 2013. In September 2019, he became Archdiocesan Director of Seminarians. He is also the Pastor of Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ Church in Indianapolis.

Ordained a priest in 2004, Fr. Eric has previously served as Associate Pastor of the Richmond Catholic Community and Chaplain of Seton Catholic High School, Richmond, IN (2004-2007), Pastor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, New Albany, IN (2007-2013),  Chaplain of Our Lady of Providence High School, Clarksville, IN (2011-2013), and Sacramental Minister of St. Agnes Catholic Church, Nashville, IN (2013-2019).

Fr. Eric's responsibilities as Director of Seminarians include overseeing the seminarian application process and supervising the men currently in formation as Archdiocesan seminarians. 

Fr. Eric is also co-author of the book Idiot's Guides: Catholicism, available as a paperback or an e-book from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, or your local bookseller.

Who is your favorite saint?     St. Katharine Drexel. I love the American saints, and she combined a great love of the Eucharist with the ministry of education and outreach.

If you could talk to anyone in the course of our history (dead or alive), who would it be and why?     Bishop Simon Brute, the first bishop in Indiana. I would love to hear what the early days of the Church in our state were like and what ministry looked like in those days.

What is your favorite thing to do as a priest? Do you have a favorite sacrament you like to administer? Why?     Celebrating the Mass is definitely a highlight of daily life as a priest!

What is your favorite past time or hobby?      I like to hike, read, cook, and listen to music.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse?  "Be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy" - Leviticus 19.2

Did anyone (priest, religious sister, friend, etc.) make an impact during your discernment?     A high school teacher had a great impact during my time of discernment and accompanied me on the journey of learning how to listen for God's call.

Any advice for someone discerning the priesthood or consecrated life?    Don't keep your discernment to yourself - talk about it! First, with God, in prayer, then with trusted mentors or spiritual advisors.