Thank You For Forming Me

About this time eight years ago, I was flying from Minneapolis to Indianapolis. I'm not sure if I was typing up my application for the Diocese of Evansville. If I wasn't, I was probably journaling—about the people I was meeting in FFA, the places a small town farm kid was getting to go … and hesitatingly scratching down my hopes for following a call to priesthood.
Since I was a young boy, I have heard “the call.” I heard it in prayer, from a soundless voice that spoke to my heart. I heard it in grade school from the lips of my late pastor, Father Francis Schroering, and the seminarian interning at my parish, now Father Tony Ernst. I heard it from my mother and grandmother and, as much as they knew I didn't like hearing it from them, even from some of my closest friends in high school. When I ended my time with the National FFA Organization, I heard the same people and many more calling me back to serve in Southwest Indiana as a priest.
And for eight years now, more voices have been added—voices from priests, catechists, secretaries, and countless others—who through encouragement, prayers, and other means of support, have no longer just called me forward, but have formed me for priestly service.
I was formed by my family and parish community of Saints Peter and Paul in Haubstadt to be a good man. I have been formed at the Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary, Marian University, and Saint Meinrad Seminary to be a good priest. I have also humbly been formed by the examples of discipleship and Christ-like love I’ve seen in the parishes around our diocese. You have formed me for ministry, and I’m now ready for my mission. 
I'm ready to enter hospital rooms to pray with families and anoint those who draw close to life eternal. I’m ready to celebrate an intimate morning Mass before joining the grade school kids for an exciting "field day." I’m ready to preach, sanctify and shepherd; to show forth the Good News, pray unceasingly, and help every person find how and where God is calling them. 
On June 11, 2016, at Saint Benedict Cathedral, I will literally lay down my life at Christ's feet. When I’m asked to stand up again, Bishop Thompson will consecrate my hands to serve you and ask me to continue conforming my life to Christ’s.

About this time eight years ago, I was sitting on a plane unsure of what was ahead, but God has charted my course. Now, as I begin my priestly ministry, I thank you for calling me forward. Thank you for preparing me to be a priest. 

About this time eight years ago, I was flying from Minneapolis to Indianapolis. I'm not sure if I was typing up my application for the Diocese of Evansville. If I wasn't, I was probably journaling—about the people I was meeting in FFA, the places a small town farm kid was getting to go … and hesitatingly scratching down my hopes for following a call to priesthood.

Since I was a young boy, I have heard “the call.” I heard it in prayer, from a soundless voice that spoke to my heart. I heard it in grade school from the lips of my late pastor, Father Francis Schroering, and the seminarian interning at my parish, now Father Tony Ernst. I heard it from my mother and grandmother and, as much as they knew I didn't like hearing it from them, even from some of my closest friends in high school. When I ended my time with the National FFA Organization, I heard the same people and many more calling me back to serve in Southwest Indiana as a priest.

And for eight years now, more voices have been added—voices from priests, catechists, secretaries, and countless others—who through encouragement, prayers, and other means of support, have no longer just called me forward, but have formed me for priestly service.
I was formed by my family and parish community of Saints Peter and Paul in Haubstadt to be a good man. I have been formed at the Bishop Simon Bruté College Seminary, Marian University, and Saint Meinrad Seminary to be a good priest. I have also humbly been formed by the examples of discipleship and Christ-like love I’ve seen in the parishes around our diocese. You have formed me for ministry, and I’m now ready for my mission. 
I'm ready to enter hospital rooms to pray with families and anoint those who draw close to life eternal. I’m ready to celebrate an intimate morning Mass before joining the grade school kids for an exciting "field day." I’m ready to preach, sanctify and shepherd; to show forth the Good News, pray unceasingly, and help every person find how and where God is calling them. 
On June 11, 2016, at Saint Benedict Cathedral, I will literally lay down my life at Christ's feet. When I’m asked to stand up again, Bishop Thompson will consecrate my hands to serve you and ask me to continue conforming my life to Christ’s.

About this time eight years ago, I was sitting on a plane unsure of what was ahead, but God has charted my course. Now, as I begin my priestly ministry, I thank you for calling me forward. Thank you for preparing me to be a priest.