When my addiction to alcohol caused me to hit rock bottom, I sought healing from a rehab program. There, a priest came in to hear confessions. Following confession, the priest asked if I had ever considered seminary. I was surprised, and the seed of a vocation was planted.

After college, my career plans were derailed when I was denied a needed security clearance. Everything I had worked so hard to achieve came crashing down. Yet instead of being devastated, I felt at peace, and asked God what He wanted. Around that time, my diocese had a “Called by Name” initiative which encouraged people to send in the names of those who may have a calling to the priesthood. I received a letter that someone had submitted my name, followed up with the diocese and began spiritual direction.

Clarity about the Lord’s call came a while later. In conversation with God, I admitted my fears that perhaps my desire to be a priest was just another manifestation of my ambition. In a moment of clarity, I realized those doubts weren’t true or of God. Reassured by Him, I desire to give my life entirely to God to use as He sees fit.