I'm not a seminarian but...

Firstly, I’m not a seminarian...I’m just an ordinary guy living an ordinary life and am currently discerning a call to priesthood. 


I’m from the parish of Moneymore in the Archdiocese of Armagh. I have lived here all of my life and I attended St. Patrick’s Primary School, Moneymore followed by St. Pius X College, Magherafelt where I completed my GCSE’s. I also undertook my A-levels in Holy Trinity College, Cookstown. 
 

When I was at primary school, I began to think about priesthood. I was an altar server for some time in my parish and as I got older, I read the readings regularly at Sunday Mass. At a young age, I sang in the school choir and I have also been involved with our parish choir for some time.

Whilst I had been thinking of priesthood for quite some time, I didn’t really speak about it and to be honest, a large part of me was uneasy and perhaps a little embarrassed to speak about it. I wondered how family and friends would feel and I wondered as to how many of them would react? Once I told them of how I was feeling and what I had been thinking, they have been incredibly supportive. 

I’m continuing to discern what God is asking of me at this time and I’m still reflecting on what God may be asking me to do with my life. I go to Mass regularly and I take time for prayer and I feel that making space for God in my life is so important in helping me to understand where it is that God wants me to go! I have spoken to a priest whom I know and he has helped me greatly in this whole process and he recommended that I meet with the Diocesan Vocations Director. I have met with the Director of Vocations on a couple of occasions and that too has been a wonderful help and support as I continue to discern the way forward.
 

I’m sure that there are many other young men who are in the same place as myself and who are wondering what’s next or where they should go? I suggest that you too take time for God and time for prayer and just listen to the voice of God within, the one who is always speaking to each one of us. I also suggest that you don’t bottle up your thoughts and don’t hide your feelings. Instead, talk to someone, talk to your local priest, talk to your Diocesan Vocations Director or just talk to a friend. And check out your diocesan website, www.armaghpriest.com.