Page 36 - Catholic Extension Magazine - Spring 2016

36 ISeGminNarianIQT&AE
Why are you becoming a priest?
I am inspired by
the people of my parish in Meridian, Mississippi,
and by the example of my pastor there. e Lord has put this call on my heart and has asked me to discern what life as a priest would be like. roughout my seminary journey, this call has grown stron- ger and I am more excited than ever to start ministering with the people in the Diocese of Jackson, Mississippi.
What did you do before you joined the seminary?
I was a local television news anchor. I reported on everything from tornado touchdowns to local elections and sporting events. Catholic Extension funded your participation in the Institute for Priestly Formation summer pro- gram. What did you experience there?
I experienced the love of God. e institute helped me develop a robust life of prayer. I realized that my rst objective must always be to cultivate my relationship with the Lord in prayer, and out of that prayer come fruits in ministry. What are your favorite ministries?
My favorite ministries have to do with talking. I did that as a pro- fessional, so I love to speak public- ly about the faith, whether in small or large group settings. Hopefully this love will translate into deliver- ing a good homily down the road.
I have also worked with hospital and prison ministries, and feel a great duty to care for those who cannot take care of themselves.
e Lord calls me to relational ministry. Once I worked on a Hab-
Seminarian Nick Adam leaves broadcasting career to talk about Christ
itat for Humanity project alongside parishioners. Working day to day with people who were living out their faith in marriage and single life inspired me to nd out what God was calling me to do.
I remember speaking with an older friend about how he met his wife, and he said that his faith played a huge role in the decision. What a novelty for me as a young person, to hear that someone’s relationship with God was so piv- otal in a major life decision! is made me start thinking less about what I wanted and more about what God wants for me.
Why do you think the upcoming Year of Mercy is important for Catholics?
Many Catholics are yearning to experience God’s mercy but may not know that it is readily available in the Church. e sacraments are such incredible vehicles of grace, and yet many people are hesitant to receive them for a variety of rea- sons. I pray that this year puts the
sacraments — especially the sac- rament of reconciliation — back on the map for faithful Catholics. Growing to love confession and to seek God’s forgiveness and healing has helped me so much in my dis- cernment of the priesthood, and it is something that can help others who may also be struggling. Catholic Extension has supported seminarian education in the Dio- cese of Jackson since the 1920s. How does this assistance help?
is assistance makes it possi- ble for me to study in the semi- nary. e education I am receiving will have a direct impact on thou- sands of Catholics in the diocese, but it is only possible because of the generosity and support of indi- viduals and organizations such as Catholic Extension. Extension also covered my tuition for the Institute for Priestly Formation, which was a huge help in my discernment and will bear fruit in my ministry for the rest of my life.
Anchored in faith