Rev. Dennis M. Perkins
Age entered the Seminary: 24
Age ordained: 29
Date Ordained: 5/27/95
How did you first experience or hear "The Call" to the Priesthood?
The call to priesthood for me did not occur in any specific moment, but rather through a life long experience. In my home parish, St. Johns in Uncasville, we were very fortunate to have very good priests. Because my family and I regularly attended church, and I had been an altar server, I had the opportunity to get to know these priests, and so my experience of priesthood was very positive. Because of these priests, I always felt a certain attraction to the life and ministry of the priesthood.
What was your work before entering the Seminary?
Before entering the Seminary I was an accountant.
What were your thoughts and feelings when you first thought about becoming a priest?
While I felt a certain attraction or call to the priesthood, I was very apprehensive about pursuing it. I had set aside any ideas of studying for the priesthood a number of times. Because my experience of the call to priesthood was not a concrete instruction to become a priest, I often doubted whether God was truly calling me. Finally, a priest told me I would never know unless I tested the call through discernment in the Seminary.
What are your thoughts now after becoming a priest?
After two years of priestly ministry, I was very happy and at peace with my decision to pursue and answer God's call. Serving as a priest has been a source of fulfillment in my life.