Not a What but a Whom

I wondered what it would be like to be a priest from an early age, but it was not until high school that I thought about it seriously. But then college life and the secular world got the better of me.

After graduating from the University of Detroit, I began my career as a certified public accountant. While it was fulfilling to help others with their tax problems, there seemed to be something missing. I always knew in the recesses of my heart that I was called to the priesthood, but for some reason, perhaps fear, I never pursued the priesthood any further. I thought seminary was for guys who knew with certainty that they wanted to become priests. I, mistakenly, thought once you entered they locked you in until you were ready to come out as a priest!

I attended some Bible study programs but there was something still missing. So in the winter of 2009, I began taking classes at Sacred Heart. I remember coming up the stairs of the main entrance then turning right down the hall when suddenly a sense of peace overtook me, and an inner voice said to me, You are home.

One of my first classes was with Dr. Mary Healy. I was struck by the passion in which Dr. Healy read Scripture and talked about Jesus. I quickly realized that Dr. Healy was in love with Jesus. My own restlessness ended because I finally realized that it was not a what that I was seeking but a whomJesus Christ.

One day, Dr. Peter Williamson stopped me in the hall and asked if I had ever thought about becoming a priest. I responded, Many moons ago, but I'm too old now. He assured me that I was not. I finally mustered enough courage, surrendered to the Holy Spirit, and answered the call which has beckoned me since my youth. I applied to Sacred Heart and entered in the fall of 2011.

My journey was a long one but after twenty-five years of my life in service to Caesar, the remainder shall be devoted to God and his Church.