Get to know a little more about the men you are praying for as they continue to prepare for the priesthood.
Age: 24
Year of Study: 2nd College
Home Parish: St. Paul Parish, Cranston
WHERE DID YOU GROW UP AND GO TO SCHOOL?
I have grown up in the Edgewood section of Cranston. I went to public school through high school, graduating from Cranston East in 2014. In post-secondary schooling I have gone to the Community College of Rhode Island and Rhode Island College.
WHAT DOES THE WORD “VOCATION” MEAN TO YOU PERSONALLY?
Vocation is something that we hear and automatically think about the priesthood, but it is what we are called to. This could be married life, consecrated single, religious life or the priesthood. Every single person has a vocation and they have to discern what that vocation is.
FAVORITE HOBBIES AND/OR FUN FACT ABOUT YOURSELF:
For fun I like to do regular things guys my age like to do, like going out with friends, sitting by a fire and reading books. I also like sports especially football and hockey, but I do like to play all sports.
HOW DID YOU DISCERN YOUR VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD?
The biggest part of my discernment was prayer; praying the Rosary and the Liturgy of the Hours every day. Also, going to different retreats and talking with priests throughout the years.
WHAT IS SOMETHING THAT READERS MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT WHAT IT IS TO BE A SEMINARIAN?
It is great being a seminarian. One of my favorite parts is being able to be in my home parish and interact with the other parishioners. It is important to me to be there because not only does it show them that their prayers for vocations have been working, it shows everyone that young men are still answering God’s call.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO A YOUNG MAN DISCERNING THE PRIESTHOOD - OR MAYBE HASN'T EVEN CONSIDERED IT AT ALL?
First thing I would say is to keep praying about it. If you have prayed and you think you should apply then just go for it. One thing I have learned is that you can only discern so long outside of seminary, so go for it and apply.
HOW DO YOU FEEL WE CAN BEST SUPPORT SEMINARIANS?
The best way to support seminarians is to pray for us. With all of our studies it can be overwhelming, but it is comforting knowing that we have people praying for us.
WHAT IS THE MOST SURPRISING PART ABOUT BEING A SEMINARIAN?
One of the things that surprised me the most was the amount of people that have wanted to stop and talk with us. Our pictures are everywhere so people will see the picture, and then see us in public and want to talk. It is different when it happens in your home parish, but I have been to other parishes visiting and I have been recognized. It may sound like complaining but it is comforting to know that when they see your picture and recognize you they are thinking of you and praying for you as well as your fellow seminarians.
ARE THERE SPECIFIC LIFE CHANGES THAT YOU HAVE HAD TO MAKE TO BE SUCCESSFUL AT SEMINARY FORMATION?
One thing I had to get used to was having a good schedule. With all of the school work and community activities you need to have a good study and sleep schedule so that you do not burn out.
IS THERE ANY PERSON OR SAINT WHOM YO CREDIT WITH INTERCEDING ON YOUR BEHALF TO GOD FOR YOUR VOCATIONAL DISCERNMENT?
One saint I would credit with interceding on my behalf is St. Maximilian Kolbe. He is someone that I would like to model. One of the reasons is his bravery and willingness to forgive, and his willingness to sacrifice himself for others. If anyone has not read about him I would suggest doing so. Other than St. Kolbe I would also credit my favorite saints, Saint John Paul II and of course the Blessed Virgin Mary. I would also credit the priests I have gotten to know over the years, especially Father Albert Marcello and our current pastor Father Adam Young. I would also credit Deacon Paul Shea and the Director of Evangelization at my home parish Julie Bradley. Of course my family, especially my parents Mark and Elena, and my grandparents Ted and Barbara. They all played a big role in my discernment and have and will continue to pray for me.
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