Jerry Pratt Feels Richly Blessed, Looks Forward To Future Ministry Opportunities
Jerry Pratt, Jr.
Philosophy II
St. Meinrad School of Theology
E-mail: Jerrypratt@gmail.com
Birthday: Oct. 20, 1965
Home Parish: St. Clement Church, Boonville
Parents: Martha and Jerry Pratt, Sr., Grandview
Brother: Steve Pratt
Education and Formation
When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? What schools or institutions have been part of your education?
I grew up in the Warrick County school system — Chandler Elementary and Castle Jr. and Senior high schools. I’m a graduate of USI and I’m in second year Philosophy at St. Meinrad.
What other formation programs or processes have you completed?
I spent the Christmas and Easter breaks at Good Shepherd parish in Evansville. My summer break was spent at Precious Blood parish in Jasper.
What’s next?
I’ll finish my first Master’s at St. Meinrad this year and then begin my Theology education.
Your Vocation
Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian?
I’m blessed to have the overwhelming support of my family and friends. Over the past year I’ve had the honor of working in two parishes and experiencing our great TEC program for the first time.
What area of ordained ministry is most attractive?
I think it is much too early in my formation to have a solid answer to this question. I’m excited to experience more ministry opportunities.
Your Future
Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:
The importance of preaching.
I believe the priest’s preaching is of utmost importance. What an opportunity to help inspire our parishioners to grow in their faith!
Ministry in a cluster parish. What have you heard? What do you expect?
Working in a cluster parish is a delicate balance. One must be careful to tend to the needs of the people equally, regardless of location or size.
The role of technology, if any, in assisting with your ministry.
If our parishioners are utilizing the newest technologies, we owe it to them to discover the ways we can put it to use to further God’s kingdom.
The role of the priest in supporting vocations.
While many people will ultimately contribute to one’s priestly vocation, probably no one will have a more profound impact than the priest. For who else can more properly model the vocation?
Qualities of a good priest. What qualities do you think most people want to see in a diocesan priest?
It’s more important that a priest cultivates his own gifts and abilities and doesn’t try to be something he’s not. A priest must be authentic and genuine. He should be eager to share Christ’s light with all he meets.
