Andrew Sparks
From: Mystic, CT
Year: Second Year of College
Seminary: Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Providence, RI
How did you first experience or hear "The Call" to the Priesthood?
Shortly after I was confirmed and began learning much more about the Catholic faith, I considered a vocation to the priesthood, a vocation that I really didn't consider before. As I explored the possibility, I became more and more interested in pursuing that vocation, until I eventually felt the strongest call to join the priesthood, rather than marrying or the single life. During this early phase of discernment I've been blessed with many wonderful priests who encourage me constantly and really serve as great examples of what it means to be a priest. This support from such great role models has really clarified the priesthood vocation in my eyes and has really helped me in discerning my vocation.
What was your work before entering the program?
Not Applicable- I was a freshman high school student when I began discernment; I wasn’t involved in a career at the time.
What were your thoughts and feelings when you first thought about becoming a priest?
When I first thought about becoming a priest I was actually rather surprised by the possibility, which had really never occurred to me before my confirmation. As I grew in my faith and grew in my personal relationship with God, a vocation to the priesthood became natural and comfortable in a gradual process of discernment. Eventually the Call to the priesthood took precedence in my discernment process. Also, because I was still a high school student, it was time for me to begin thinking about college and my life after college, considering universities and careers. At this point in life, many Catholics begin thinking about their vocations too, therefore it felt very natural to me to include the priesthood in my future plans.
Do you have any further thoughts about your vocation?
God has blessed me with a very gradual and “easy” discernment process. I’ve felt very secure and comfortable in a vocation to the priesthood, and I realize at this point that although I feel called to the priesthood, it is important to keep listening to God in order to find which vocation He will ultimately choose for me. With an open heart I know that He will lead me to my proper vocation where I’ll be happiest and best able to serve Him. In this way I know that my discernment experience will make me a better Christian, whether or not I’m ultimately called to become a priest.
What was the reaction from your family and friends?
The reaction from my family and friends has been very positive. My parents both support me in everything that I do, and answering the Call to become a priest is no different. Also, my grandparents and extended family members have been very supportive, which has encouraged me greatly in my discernment.
Furthermore, the support from my friends has also been positive. Although none of them are very familiar with the Catholic faith or a vocation to the priesthood, once they saw how happy I am in answering the Call, they were very happy for me. In this way our friendship didn’t alter one bit, and I am very grateful for such a warmhearted reaction.
What would you suggest to those who are thinking about a vocation to the priesthood?
To those who are thinking about a vocation to the priesthood I would suggest a regular prayer life in order to ensure an open heart to better discern God’s call. A necessity for this spiritual regimen is frequenting the sacraments, especially communion and the sacrament of reconciliation. Daily Mass, if at all available, greatly helps in growing spiritually.
Moreover, retreats and other programs offered by the Diocese of Norwich played a large part in my personal discernment. Quiet reflection time offered by retreats helps greatly in physically listening to God, and forming relationships with others who are discerning similar vocations helps in terms of gaining spiritual and peer support. Also, talking and learning about the personal vocation stories of priests offers wonderful support and insight to those who are considering a vocation to the priesthood.
Lastly, it is in my firmest conviction that the best place to discern a vocation to the priesthood is in the seminary itself. Seminaries have always been a place for such discernment, and they don’t require an immediate lifelong commitment by any means. Joining the seminary doesn’t officially seal you into a vocation to the priesthood, but rather offers a wonderful, supportive and spiritual environment where one can learn about the Catholic faith, the liturgy, the priesthood, and ultimately decide what God wants for them. The worst choice that someone could make in discernment is hesitating constantly, only to realize long afterwards that God indeed wants them to become a priest. One of the best aspects about discernment in seminaries is knowing that even if you are not ultimately called to become a priest, the spiritual growth that takes place in the seminary will make you a better Catholic in general, no matter what vocation God chooses for you.