Tell us a bit about your journey to the priesthood.
I first thought of becoming a priest when I was in 8th grade. Faith was always the most important thing in our family and I always felt my relationship with God was an unwavering source of peace and the reason for my hope. I wanted to share this with those who did not know God and with my friends who had begun to drift away from the faith and to lose their peace. I also got very involved in pro-life ministry: organizing conferences, sidewalk counseling, walks, marches, fundraisers, etc., and it continues to be a big part of my ministry today. After college, I wondered if I should still be a priest or if I could do more good in full-time pro-life ministry. It wasn't until Christmas 2012, while listening to the carol "I Wonder as I Wander", that God touched my heart again. He said that full-time pro-life work would be great but He asked me to be a priest. I didn't have to, but He wanted me to. And I wanted what He wanted. So I said yes.
What pastoral learning experiences made the greatest impact on you?
Of course my time at my internship parish, St. Thecla, was very important and helped me to fall in love with parish ministry. Also, teaching karate at the YMCA and doing pro-life work greatly helped to form my pastoral ministry.
What excites you the most about becoming a priest?
Confession, offering mass, and helping every one come to love the One I love.
What saint has been your greatest inspiration?
St. Therese of the Little Flower and St. Francis of Assisi. Also Ven. Fulton Sheen, who will hopefully be beatified and canonized soon!
Keep an eye on Detroit Catholic for a full feature on Dcn. Carlin and his upcoming ordination!