Andrew Sparks
Home Parish:
Shepherd of the Sea Navy Chapel, Groton CT
Seminary Attending:
Our Lady of Providence Seminary, Providence, RI
High School:
Fitch Senior High School, Groton CT
College:
Providence College, Providence RI
Hobbies:
I am fond of cooking, reading, spending time outdoors hiking and camping. Also, I enjoy writing articles for the Providence College student newspaper, as well as playing sports.
When was the first time you thought of or about becoming a diocesan priest?
The thought of becoming a diocesan priest first came about after I was Confirmed in my early High School years. After I entered into the sacramental life by going to Mass regularly and receiving the Sacrament of Reconciliation regularly, the priesthood became a living reality to me. At this point I considered the priesthood in general –either in a religious community or diocesan priesthood- but the special relationship that a diocesan priest has with the laity appealed to me, and so I applied for the diocesan priesthood.
What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to attending the seminary?
Before entering the seminary, I became involved in many different parish activities. I started off as an altar server and later served as a Eucharistic minister. Besides these regular activities, I became involved in the confirmation retreats for my parish, and further volunteered at a retreat center and soup kitchen in my free time.
Who influenced/inspired you to consider diocesan priesthood?
The person that most inspired me to consider diocesan priesthood was my now-retired pastor. As I began thinking about the priesthood and mentioned my interest to him, he gradually and gently became a model for me; explaining and living out the various challenges and rewards that diocesan priests are blessed with. In particular, his emphasis on teaching and preaching built up the church in a very concrete way, and so inspired me to do likewise. However, also I found a lot of guidance from my family and close friends as well, who encouraged me to consider the diocesan priesthood as they saw different gifts within me that they thought would befit the ministerial priesthood.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a priestly vocation?
I would encourage that young man to become active in parish life – by both building up the Church by using his particular talents, and also in receiving the blessings and graces of the sacraments. Particularly I would suggest frequently receiving the Eucharist and the sacrament of reconciliation open up his heart to God’s call. Personal prayer is also very important, and devotion to the Blessed Mother and St. Joseph offer a firm foundation for the self-giving and chaste love that a priest is called to embrace.
What activities would you recommend in order help foster a culture of vocations to priesthood or religious life?
Active and public support of priests and religious from their congregations and their fellow consecrated is instrumental to fostering vocations. All too often there seems to be a lack of outward support of priests from the laity, bishops, and fellow priests. While in many cases there is a very loving and close support for priests and religious, many people considering a vocation do not see this cooperation and devotion. Because of this they may be discouraged from pursuing such a vocation.
Also, communities and dioceses that adhere to Church teaching and devotion to the Eucharist almost never lack vocations. Personal examples among religious and priests who devote themselves to Christ in the Eucharist and display a reverence for Church teaching inspire confidence and admiration among people who may be considering a vocation. Both loving support and devotion to Christ and His Church must be present in family life too. Few things are as helpful or harmful to vocations as the respective support or discouragement of the family.
For this reason, I would recommend programs that share the beauty and fullness of Church teaching, foster devotion and reverence for the Eucharist, and also help families realize their own call to holiness in building up the Church.
What was your career or background before entering the seminary?
Before entering the seminary I was a student at a public high-school with a part-time job at a supermarket and later as a farm-hand. These jobs offered invaluable work experience in terms of working with people and realizing the dignity and importance of manual labor. In the year I spent at Providence College before entering the seminary, I focused on studying the liberal arts, especially philosophy.
Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.
Prayer is central in my life. Christ’s command to “pray without ceasing” is both a challenge and an invitation to invite God to be a part of every aspect of life. A healthy balance of both public and private prayer embodies for me the communal ties a priest has with his congregation and fellow priests, while also stressing the importance of personal friendship with Jesus Christ. Each of these pillars builds up the other, and offers a stability and strength that is absolutely necessary for any Christian, no matter what their vocation may be.