Sutton Stracke has seen her son change from a lost teenager to a young man. Now, he faces one of the biggest decisions of his life.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star shared that her son, Philip Stracke, will attend seminary after graduating from The Citadel. He hopes to become a Catholic priest.
The announcement surprised Sutton, who admitted the emotional moment brought her to tears. It’s certainly not the career path many would expect from the son of a reality TV star, which makes his decision even more remarkable.
RHOBH: Philip Plans to Enter the Priesthood
Sutton talked about Philip’s next chapter during her appearance on SiriusXM’s Radio Andy. She shared that after finishing his studies at The Citadel, a military college in South Carolina, Philip plans to spend six years in seminary. Then, he aims to become a deacon and later enter the priesthood.
“I cried when he told me. It was such a big decision.”
She continued,
“You’re in seminary school for six years, and then you become a deacon of the church, and then you join the priesthood.”
RHOBH: Philip Has a Practical Outlook
Becoming a priest is a lifelong commitment for many. However, Sutton said her son tackles this journey with maturity and optimism. She recalled him saying,
“If it doesn’t work out, I can leave.” Sutton appreciated his perspective. “I thought that was a good positive outlook on it because you learn a lot in seminary.” She called Philip “very devout.” His faith was a big part of his choice.
RHOBH: His Future Once Looked Very Different
Philip’s plans weren’t always focused on the church. In a 2022 RHOBH episode, Sutton shared that her son wanted to join the Army. He thought he had grown up “too comfortable.”
Instead of immediately supporting the idea, Sutton decided to challenge him. She sent him to Georgia in the summer heat. There, he had a tough job delivering vending machine products early each morning.
She joked,
“I said, ‘Oh, well, I’ll make you uncomfortable then.'” After a month of hard work, Philip changed his mind. “A month later, when I picked him up, he wanted to go to college.” He chose The Citadel, a military college. This decision made both mother and son happy.
RHOBH: Sutton Continues Celebrating Her Children’s Milestones
Philip isn’t the only child making Sutton proud. Her youngest son, James, just graduated from high school. Now, he’s off to Wofford College in South Carolina. Her daughter, Porter, graduated cum laude from William & Mary. Now, she is attending Brooklyn Law School in New York.
Sutton has shown strong emotions as she watches her three children shape their futures. She has talked openly about the idea of becoming an empty nester on the show.
RHOBH: Sutton Stracke Is Also Making Changes at Home
While celebrating her son’s milestone, Sutton is also starting a new chapter herself. The RHOBH star has listed her Bel Air estate for $8.9 million. Josh Flagg from Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles is managing the sale.
The property has over an acre of beautiful grounds, a championship tennis court, and lots of privacy. Sutton is facing big life changes. She’s making a major real estate move, and her son’s career choice surprised her.
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