AT THE SEMINARY

Meet the Seminarians: Jacek Ploch

Posted

HOME PARISH: Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Zawada, Poland

AGE: 26

HIGH SCHOOL: School of Economics, Debica, Poland

COLLEGE:Major Seminary in Tarnow, Poland

PARENTS:

Mother – Zofia Ploch

Father – Stefan Ploch

SIBLINGS:

Two Sisters – Alicja and Agata

Brother - Grzegorz

When did you start thinking about being a priest?

I started to think about priesthood at the beginning of my high school education. The priesthood was one of my “choices” for the future, but at that time I did not see myself as a priest. I think my vocation started to grow from that time on.

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

I was always around the church helping with many things, for example Christmas and Easter decorations or helping to prepare four altars around my town for the Corpus Christi procession. I was also an altar server, lector and member of the youth group.

What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?

My favorite scripture passage is the parable of the mustard seed. That parable tells me that whenever I look at things and they seem so overwhelming I know that God is in charge and from my work there can grow something that brings more people to the kingdom of God.

Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Explain.

First of all, my parents raised me as a good Catholic and taught me about God. I was also fortunate to meet great priests in my life. One of them was my pastor in my home parish who always gave a good example to everyone.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

After high school I started college with an economics major and at the same time I was working as a waiter.

Did anybody invite you to consider the priesthood?

Not really. But as a teenager I had a strong relationship with Jesus and I went almost every year on retreats or other retreat-like activities.

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

I’ve been a Catholic my whole life, so I knew Jesus since childhood. My understanding as a Catholic, as well as my vocation, grew as I grew up.

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

Besides having retreats, which helped me a lot in enriching my relationship with Jesus, I went three times on the pilgrimage to the Shrine of the Black Madonna in Czestochowa.

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

There weren’t any visible signs. I always try to listen to the people because through other people God talks to us and to me and I always try to listen to the voice of God in my soul. God knows better where I will be happy the most.

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

They did not believe me at first and they were surprised, but later on they were supportive.

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

I had some friends in the seminary and I visited them a few times before I entered, so I had an idea what it is like to live in the seminary. What surprised me were the philosophy and theology classes, I never imagined that they will be so interesting.

Why is the priesthood so important today?

Priesthood was always important. It is important today in the USA and in Western Europe because people are losing touch with God when there are not enough priests. They can not receive sacraments and the life becomes secular.

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

Give it a try. Maybe you will find yourself happier then ever.