Gregory Jednaki

Home Parish: Parafia MBWW Polaniec

Seminaries Attended:

Wyzsze Seminarium Duchowne w Sandomierzu

SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary, Orchard Lake, MI

St. Mary’s Seminary & University Baltimore, MD

High School: Comprehensive Lyceum in Polaniec

College: Catholic University of Lublin

Hobbies: : Books, Music, Movies, Car Racings, Traveling

When was the first time you thought of or about becoming a diocesan priest?

I think that the first time when I thought about becoming a priest was when I was in High School – that was a first time when I thought about it seriously. However, my mom remembers a time when I mentioned being a priest when I was 9 years old.

What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to attending the seminary?

Actually, I have to confess that I didn’t participate in any Catholic activities before I entered the seminary. I wasn’t even an altar server! When I entered seminary I had to learn everything from beginning. I still remember my first Mass, when I served as seminarian….I made all possible mistakes which could make!

Who influenced/inspired you to consider diocesan priesthood? Please explain.

I think that it was my pastor. He said to me that I should think about going to seminary. He said that I can try it only for one year….here I am 8 years after that….and I am happy with my choice.

What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a priestly vocation?

I think that exactly the same thing which was said by John Paul II, when he spoke to people for a first time as a Pope: “Don’t be afraid…” or, as my pastor said: “Try it for one year, and you will know what to do”.

What activities would you recommend in order to help foster a culture of vocations to priesthood or religious life?

I think that we should address people in Colleges and in High Schools. We have to just show them that priesthood is about the most wonderful ministry on Earth. It is about continuation of the mission of Christ. That is the point in which earthly reality meets heavenly reality. There is no other ministry like this here on Earth.

What was your career or background before entering the seminary?

I entered Seminary after High School. I had 2 years of brake in my formation, during that time I was working as a constructor and carpenter. However, each time when I was in church I knew that I was on the wrong side of the altar. Soon, I will be on the correct side of the altar…that is my vocation and my destiny.

Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.

It is not easy to pray. Even apostles asked Jesus to show them how they should pray. Prayer life for me is a very personal dialogue with God. I wasn’t lucky enough to hear God addressing me personally. I never heard “a voice from heaven”, however God responds to my prayer in many other ways. God responds to my prayers through many events in my life, through people who I have met, through a “little” and“big” things in my life. I believe and I already experienced the power of prayer. I believe that without prayers of all people who prayed for me I wouldn’t be a person which I am now. I would like to thank all good people who prayed for me. I know that through all these prayers my vocation became stronger and stronger.