Home Parish: St. Timothy Parish, Warwick
Age: 18
Seminary: Our Lady of Providence
High School: Pilgrim High School
College: Providence College
Parents: Jonathon Stratton and Mary Barrow
Siblings: None
Hobbies: Reading, history and video games
When did you start thinking about being a priest?
I began thinking about the priesthood when I was in the eighth grade. When I would hear the readings at Mass, I would often feel that Jesus was speaking to me in a very personal way.
What were some church activities that you participated in prior to entering the seminary?
Prior to entering the seminary my activities at my church included; altar server, lector, extraordinary minister of holy Communion and sacristan, as well as other parish activities in which I was invited to participate.
What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?
My favorite Scripture passage is that of the Prodigal Son because it gives such a graphic description of the loving mercy of God upon which our faith is based. Jesus’ life, death and resurrection are all about God’s love and mercy for us all.
Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Explain.
I was influenced by my family, through being an altar server at my parish, by getting to know my parish priests and especially by the faithful ministry of my pastor Father Barry Meehan. It was by his great devotion to the Eucharist that I found myself truly inspired to follow Christ’s life and enter the priesthood.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
People might be surprised how much I enjoy video games and Star Wars movies.
Did anybody invite you to consider the priesthood?
I had thought about it for some time and Father Meehan asked me if I had considered a vocation to the priesthood.
How did you come to know Jesus Christ and his call in your life?
It was through reading the lives of the saints, daily prayer, serving at Mass and through devotion to the Eucharist that helped me to understand my faith and Christ more deeply.
What were the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and his church?
My personal relationship with Christ and His church definitely developed most during my service at Mass, through Eucharistic adoration and the development of a personal prayer life with Christ. These and through praying the rosary and devotion to Mary helped me to develop a deeper relationship with Christ.
Were there any signs that led you to believe God was calling you to be a priest?
At different times and places I felt that God was calling me to a life of service to him and to the church as a priest. The thought has continued to grow stronger and this is what has led me to the seminary, and through prayer, study and living in community, I hope to be prepared to serve as a good priest.
How did your family and friends react when you told them that you were entering the seminary?
Everyone was very supportive when I first said that I was entering seminary and they have continued to support me in following my vocation.
What was the transition like into seminary life? What did you imagine it to be, and in fact what was it like?
I found the transition into seminary life to be very enjoyable and happy. I didn’t know what to expect when I first entered seminary, but I have found it to be a place of prayer, study and a supportive fraternal community all seeking to listen to the voice of Christ and striving to follow him faithfully and generously.
Why is the priesthood so important today?
The priesthood is as important today as it was when it was established by Jesus. In today’s world, where so little is known about Christ and so many people are confused about the role of the priest, it is all the more important to help people to increase their faith and find peace and real happiness through the love of God, the sacraments and the church.
What advice would you give to a man who is “on the fence” about entering the seminary?
I would tell him to pray and to put his trust in God. He should not walk away sad like the rich young man in the Gospel who had many possessions. There is no greater gift than to realize that one has been chosen by Jesus to serve him in a special ministry to his people.
