Home Parish: St. Brendan
Age: 21
Seminary: Our Lady of Providence
High School: Our Lady of Fatima
College: CCRI, Providence College
Parents: Judy and Gerard
Siblings: Gerald and Alicyn
Hobbies: Ice Hockey, Fishing, Music, Running
When did you start thinking about being a priest?
I did not begin to seriously discern until the summer of 2006.
What were some Church activities that you participated in prior to entering the seminary?
I had worked in and around my Church throughout my adolescence. I served as an altar boy up until 9th grade. My pastor then hired me to be sacristan, and work a summer maintenance job at the school/church the same year.
What is your favorite scripture passage? Why?
At the end of the discourse on the Eucharist Jesus questions his disciples, “Does it shake your faith?” In a world of doubt and skepticism, I find this a powerful message. Jesus, knowing the nature of our weak hearts, challenges us to be open and accepting of those aspects of our faith that may, at first glance, seem impossible.
Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood?
There have been too many to name them all here. In a particular and very special way, my pastor, Fr. Unsworth, has been a great example to me throughout my life. Also, Sr. Isabel, a teacher at Our Lady of Fatima, helped me to form a strong faith and spiritual life through her everyday witness and teachings.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
A personal dream of mine has always been to live and work on a Christmas tree farm. In addition, I had, before entering seminary, seriously considered joining the military.
Did anybody invite you to consider the priesthood?
People probably suggested it when I was younger and serving as an altar boy. More recently, a life-long friend had brought it to my attention. It was at this point that I began to take the idea into serious consideration.
How did you come to know Jesus Christ and his call in your life?
In silent prayer. In the vocation video “Fishers of Men,” it is stressed that a vocation grows in silence, away from the day-to-day noise of our world. Before my final decision was made to enter seminary, I spent a lot of time in silent prayer. I continue to do the same today.
What were the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and his Church?
This past year it has been an especially moving and deeply spiritual experience to be able to serve on the altar again as I did when I was younger. I have found that meeting with my spiritual director has been one of my favorite and most helpful aspects of seminary so far.
Were there any signs that led you to believe God was calling you to be a priest?
There was no writing in the sky for me. All of the signs that God was calling me to priesthood were within my heart. However, I believe these were stronger than any other sign I could have received.
How did your family and friends react when you told them that you were entering the seminary?
I am blessed with both family and friends who supported my decision 100 percent. I always tell people, “I’ve had it easy” in that respect, because this is not always the case among vocations to the priesthood. I never take that for granted.
What was the transition like into seminary life?
I had imagined the transition period to be very difficult, being [the first time] away from home. I found that it was much easier than I had expected, and the transition period itself seemed to last no longer than a week. Both the faculty and brother seminarians welcome all with open arms and truly make you feel at home, and at peace.
Why is the priesthood so important today?
Priesthood is consistently important until the end of time, because in the Catholic faith it is the priest that brings Jesus Christ to the people in a real and physical way. The Church will always need priests while, at the same time, God will always provide priests for the Church.
What advice would you give to a man who is “on the fence” about entering the seminary?
Let Jesus “do His thing.” In other words, allow the Lord to lead you where you may or may not want to go. In the end you will find happiness in what he has chosen for you, whether it be priesthood or working on a Christmas tree farm. If you are on the fence, give it a try and then decide if it is for you. You are always free to leave. As Our Lady of Providence vocation staff always emphasizes, “The doors of the seminary open out.”
