Brian Maxwell
Home Parish:
St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Norwich, CT (Current)
Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Portland, ME (Formerly)
Seminary Attending:
Blessed John XXIII National Seminary, Weston, MA
High School:
Canisius High School, Buffalo, NY
College:
B.S. and M.B.A. degrees at Clarkson University
Hobbies
Walking, Pilgrimages, Visiting retired Priests and Sisters, Card Making
When was the first time you thought of or about becoming a diocesan priest?
I first wondered if I was being called to the Priesthood in 1996 as I began providing care for a retired Priest at the Cathedral Residence in Portland, Maine. This experience was very influential in my formation, calling and spiritual development. There I developed friendships with 3 bishops, including Bishop Cote and numerous clergy, including many transitional deacons from Blessed John XXIII Seminary in Weston, MA.
What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to attending the seminary?
This past year I taught 3rd grade religion, and worked with youth and young adults in the Portland area. In May I went on a Jesuit Service Mission to serve the poor in Mexico. I am a member of the English Pastoral Team at the Shrine of Our Lady of the Cape in Canada. For 13 years I have planned, organized and guided more than 30 pilgrimages. I have also been a lector and extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.
Who influenced/inspired you to consider diocesan priesthood?
Most recently, Fr. Kevin Martin, my parochial vicar and Fr. Matthew Monnig, SJ, my spiritual director, have had a lot of influence in my life, my call, and my response. I have always believed that inspiring priests who focus on the Eucharist are the key to drawing vocations. My morning Mass friends, religious sisters and pilgrims also contributed.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a priestly vocation?
I would first encourage and help him to find a good spiritual director and suggest that he meet with his diocesan vocational director. I would emphasize the importance of the Eucharist and daily Mass, and other devotions including Sacred Scripture, the Rosary and frequent Confession. I would also strongly recommend the development of an intimate daily prayer life, especially before Our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament whenever possible.
What activities would you recommend in order help foster a culture of vocations to priesthood or religious life?
I recently was involved in a weekly Praise and Worship Holy Hour which I felt was great spirituality for young adults. I believe the Holy Mass with beautiful music aimed toward youth and young adults would also be a very attracting.
My prior diocese had a well attended diocesan-wide youth weekend, attracting 300-400 teens each year.
Directed retreats, pilgrimages, service projects and fun-filled recreational events would be other recommendations.
Finally, vocational directories, magazines, pamphlets and posters in every parish, combined with websites and links would round out a good program.
I found the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius to be very powerful in the determination of God’s Will and confirmation of His calling in my discernment, transforming too.
What was your career or background before entering the seminary?
I began working in national marketing management after college. For the past twenty years I have owned and operated a successful housewares business in Northern New England. I also maintained a very active volunteering schedule for various Catholic ministries.
Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.
I try to live in the presence of God and depend upon Him for everything. The Eucharist is the center of my life. Daily Mass and receiving the Eucharist is my greatest desire and the highlight of my day. I also like to pray before our Eucharistic Lord in the tabernacle and during Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. I have a special devotion to our Blessed Mother, the Saints and our Guardian Angels. I also see Jesus in the poor and in those in need.
I would describe the essence of my prayer to be reverent and deep. I meditate and have learned to be still and listen with my heart. Sometimes I am more serious, other times more joyful. The Rosary and Divine Mercy Chaplet are among my favorite prayers.
The faith-filled people God brings into my life and good Catholic literature are other important elements in my spiritual life.