Christopher Paul Feeney
Seminary:
Mount St. Mary's Seminary, Emmitsburg, MD
High School:
Bishop Thomas F. Hendricken
College:
Providence College
Hobbies:
Swimming, hiking, movies, reading, dinning out
When was the first time you thought of or about becoming a diocesan priest?
I first thought of becoming a priest when I was about ten years old or so. I “finally decided” when I was in the sixth grade, that I wanted to be a priest more than anything else.
What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to attending the seminary?
Before entering seminary I helped out in a number of different parishes through volunteering as well as actual employment. Since I was in the third grade I’ve been serving Mass and it continues to be one of the most meaningful experiences of service to God and his people. I’ve also been involved in the Boy Scouts of America as well as the Knights of Columbus. These organizations, I have found, to be among the most influential and faithful groups that serve the Church and promote needed acts of charity.
Who influenced/inspired you to consider diocesan priesthood?
While I could think of many different and diverse influences that inspired me to consider diocesan priesthood, over and above them all it has been the example of so many good priests I have come to know throughout my short life. In particular there have been two priests who have encouraged and supported me in my vocation. They have been the best examples and true teachers to me. As a prayer for vocations says; “give to Your Church ardent yet gentle servants of the Gospel.” I sincerely believe that they truly follow this call. Also, the example of religious men and women since my earliest years have continued to have a tremendous impact on me.
What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a priestly vocation?
What I would say to someone who thinks he may have a priestly vocation would be rather simple. Trust in the Lord and follow the call. He will be with you and guide you if you leave yourself open to His grace. Something I would suggest is that he try to attend Mass more frequently, if he is able, entrust this intention to our Lady, the rosary is a great prayer, and finally: talk to a priest about it. Then, go from there. God’s grace, along with his cooperation, will accomplish the rest.
What activities would you recommend in order help foster a culture of vocations to priesthood or religious life?
First and foremost would be prayer, prayer in the parish as well as in families. Eucharistic adoration, devout celebration of Mass, frequent opportunity for the sacrament of reconciliation, and encouragement from priests to young men, particularly in serving at the Altar I find helps particularly. I can remember from the time when I began serving Mass in my parish, the priest never suggested the priesthood to any of us, yet we all thought about it due to the great example of the priests. The fact that we were able to see how they worked and lived was a great gift. While it was probably not much to them, when one of them would ask us to help with something everyone wanted to. Whether it be serving an extra Mass or devotions in the evening to moving furniture or cleaning the parish hall, we were “helping Father” and got to see the life of a parish first hand.
Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.
Prayer is the most important. It ought to be the most important in anyone’s life, not just those considering a call to the priesthood, but especially a priest, who needs to guide the people of God, needs to have an intimacy with the Lord, first to sustain himself, and second to help the people he serves. Without daily Mass I feel as if the day is not compleate, the Liturgy of the Hours gives food for mediation and thought throughout the day. The psalms are particularly beautiful and fit all different situations in life. The Rosary serves as a type of “life-line to Heaven” and reminds me of Our Lady’s gentle care and powerful intercession, the mysteries never can be pondered enough that they “dry up,” there is always more food for meditation each and every time I pray. Meditation upon the Gospels and spiritual reading during quiet time spent in the presence of the Blessed Sacrament help to keep life in perspective. The Lord uses all of these and gently reveals His will through them all. Prayer, while at times rather dry and a bit of work, is my sustainence each day. I look forward to and am grateful for every moment I have to pray. It’s always time well spent and I don’t know what I would be or where without it.