Spiritual Autobiography - Part 6 - Priesthood and Ministry

My first memories that I can recall about becoming a priest were in elementary school as an altar server. I pictured myself on the altar celebrating the Mass.

Every time that I have pictured myself as a priest, it has been in a parish. I think the daily life of celebrating the Eucharist and working with the community of believers is what has attracted me to the diocesan priesthood rather than a religious order. I know that the ordered priest has these same opportunities, but it is not their focus.

Well, it is certainly not the weather that is drawing me to Boston. I’ve lived in Maine and Massachusetts for most of my life. I like the local ties, my family is mostly in Maine and New Hampshire. It also occurs to me that the Archdiocese is in need of priests. With the recent problems here, I feel God is calling me to help mend bridges. I know that sounds less than humble, but it is the feeling that I get. Maybe I can help a little to bring a bit of faith and trust back to a parish and community.

I’ve admired Father JS since I first met him. To me, he is the model of a parish priest. I’ve never seen him get upset. Even when he has to correct someone, he does it with gentleness and love. He seems full of life and humor. Yet, he can be serious and explain concepts so that even I understand.

I can think of two long term ministries that I have been involved with. First is the music ministry. I started playing the organ at Mass in junior high school. I’ve had a pretty much unbroken streak since that time. Our music group prays together before Mass and prays that we are instruments for God and are encouraging to congregation to participate. When I sing or cantor, I try to pray the words that I am singing and remind myself that it is not about me, it is about God. I have also volunteered at local (and not so local) prisons for the last 10 years. I attend faith sharing, Eucharistic services and retreats as I can. While many think this is a great sacrifice, I get more out of those experiences than I put in. God is present in the men in prison. Their faith is amazing to those of us who see it.

The idea of being a priest has crossed my mind since I was an altar server. I considered it in high school and in college. If I had not met Carmen in college, it may have happened long ago. About a week after Carmen died, the proverbial two by four hit me in the head. It was like God saying, “Now will you come and be a priest for me?” Since then, there are been many little signs of encouragement (more coincidences?) along the path. I don’t know if I have a vocation or not. But I am willing to quit my job and spend the time discerning at the seminary to find out.