The idea of the priesthood first crossed my mind when I was seven years old. I watched our priest celebrate Mass and, while most kids might be distracted, I found myself captivated by each word and action. As I grew, my attention shifted towards music. I ultimately became a music professor at a Christian university, and I found joy in teaching my students and sharing my love of music.
Then God surprised me. While in adoration, I felt God place “priesthood” on my heart. At first, I resisted – the vocation did not seem practical or realistic, especially for someone my age or as far along as I was in my career. The more I prayed and presented God with excuses, one by one, each obstacle disappeared. Even with the doubts, the more I considered the priesthood, the more I felt at peace. Through prayer, conversations with my vocation director, and the encouragement of friends, I continued to discern this call.