At the Seminary

Meet the Seminarians: Nicholas Fleming

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Nicholas Fleming

Home Parish: Holy Ghost Church, Tiverton

Age: 18

Seminary: Our Lady of Providence Seminary

High School: Tiverton High School

College: Rhode Island College

Parents: Elaine and Timothy Fleming

Siblings: Marc Fleming

Hobbies: Music, golf (I’m a terrible golfer), pool, ping pong

When did you start thinking about being a priest?

I honestly started my discernment when I was about eight years old, and I had the opportunity to serve my first Mass. That day, something was planted in my heart that made me always want to do what the priest is able to do.

What were some church activities that you participated in prior to entering the seminary?

I always participated in the church’s youth group, served as an altar server and sang in the church choir.

What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?

My favorite Scripture passage is John 6:54-58. It speaks to me about my faith, and it is unfathomable to me how much God could love us when he not only died on the cross, but also is present in the Eucharist for us to receive every day.

Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Explain.

My greatest influence was the model priest of our times, Pope John Paul II. He gave courage to everyone who followed Christ with the famous words “Be Not Afraid.” This message gave me the courage in school to always persevere. Also, Father Jay A. Finelli, my godfather and pastor, has given me a great deal of courage, and has been a constant guide for me in these last few years of discernment.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I think people would be surprised to know that I take karate lessons.

Did anybody invite you to consider the priesthood?

The biggest help to me during these past few years has been numerous people throughout my life who asked me if I was going to consider discerning. They told me that I would make a great priest. It gives me so much encouragement to hear those words, and to realize that I can do nothing without Christ.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ and His call in your life?

My discernment took a long period of time. By attending programs such as youth conferences and retreats, I really came to know Christ in a new way, and I became more open to what He had planned for me. Nothing came overnight. It was through silence that I heard God’s call for me, and I continually hear God’s call in my life during silence spent in prayer in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

What were the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and his church?

I obtained most of my faith and my relationship with Christ through the Mass, and it was through Steubenville conferences that I really understood the Mass in a new way, which opened up my heart to God’s love. It’s through experiences such as these conferences that we learn more about our faith, and receiving Communion that truly gives us a relationship with Christ.

Were there any signs that led you to believe God was calling you to be a priest?

I was always being reminded of a possible vocation by people. I can’t say how many times I heard the words, “You’ll make a good priest; I’ll pray for you.” I think I’ve heard those words more than I’ve heard my favorite song, or several songs combined. It was through my prayers and the people praying for me that I started to realize, “Well, maybe this is God calling me.” Then I felt a conviction in my heart when I’d sit in prayer that it was my calling to always serve the Lord as a priest. But nothing was ever clear-cut. I never heard God say, “Nicholas, go and be a priest.” It was just what my heart revealed to me in the depths of my soul.

How did your family and friends react when you told them that you were entering the seminary?

My friends and family knew it was coming. They were all very supportive.

What was the transition like into seminary life? What did you imagine it to be, and in fact what was it like?

I believe that I have not been in the seminary long enough to answer this question.

Why is the priesthood so important today?

The priesthood is important today because a priest is a role model and a guide. Priests are there in our needs and struggles, and they guide us in our spiritual journey. They represent Christ, and we need people with that gift to be with us always, now more than ever.

What advice would you give to a man who is “on the fence” about entering the seminary?

If you’re a man sitting on the fence who is looking into entering the seminary, then God has planted a seed in your heart, which is good. That means that you’re open to listening to God. What I would say to do is to actually ask God in a real way what he wants you to do with your life, and then when you open your heart, sit in silence in adoration before the Blessed Sacrament so that you can hear God’s voice in the silence. Just remember that entering the seminary doesn’t mean that you’ll be ordained tomorrow, so if you feel a different calling, then that’s okay. I urge those who believe they are called to a vocation to explore it further, and to talk to priests about their vocation.