Graduating from Columbus Bishop Watterson High School in 2014, Sam Severance might have imagined returning one day for an alumni event or maybe the occasional Friday night football game. The 18-year-old likely was unaware that 12 years later he would set foot in the building again as Father Sam Severance, the school’s chaplain.
The young priest, 30, was assigned to service at Bishop Watterson this month. He is set to officially assume the role on Feb. 2.
The priest will take the position of the school’s current chaplain, Father Paul Noble, who will serve at Mother Angeline McCrory Manor and the Villas at St. Therese senior living facility in Columbus.
Father Severance, who was ordained less than a year ago in May 2025, serves as parochial vicar at Hilliard St. Brendan the Navigator Church. He will continue his parish assignment while serving as Bishop Watterson’s school chaplain.
Returning to his alma mater, he reflected, is “surreal” in many ways.
“After spending just a few moments in the school I realized that not much has changed,” he admitted.
“I was able to walk through sophomore hall while classes were changing, and I remember thinking, ‘It looks just like I remember.’”
While still unsure what his role will entail, Father Severance said he anticipates caring for students’ sacramental needs: celebrating the sacrament of the Eucharist and hearing confessions.
The chaplain also expects to attend sporting events, school activities and be present in classrooms.
He noted a desire to help students recognize God’s call for their lives.
“My own vocation to the priesthood began at Watterson. I remember hearing the call the priesthood in those very halls,” he said. “Although I was unaware at the time what that would really entail, I now look back on it and see that God began tailoring my heart to the priesthood.
“It’s not just me; the Holy Spirit continues to call the young people at Watterson to this day. I suppose it’s now my job to help the young people at Watterson hear His voice.”
Before high school, Father Severance attended Dublin St. Brigid of Kildare School. After earning his high school diploma, he went on to study at the College of Wooster, graduating in 2019 with a degree in philosophy.
Later that year, Father Severance entered seminary at the Pontifical College Josephinum in north Columbus, where he spent the next six years in formation for the priesthood.
His presence at Bishop Watterson going forward will serve as a witness to students, especially boys called to the priesthood. In their school chaplain, they might see someone much like themselves, who wore the same uniform, walked the same halls and said “yes” to being a priest.
Whether called to the priesthood, marriage or consecrated life, Father Severance will help students come to know the One who is calling.
“I hope my priestly presence helps the students at Watterson fall in love with Jesus Christ,” he iterated. “If I can help them see that God loves them and calls them just as he called me, then all will be well.”