Roman Catholic 
Diocese of Ogdensburg

Carter is a life-long resident of the Diocese of Ogdensburg, heading into his second year of theology at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Carter’s parents are veterinarians, so animals and farming have been an important feature in the family’s lives. Growing up, Carter always expected he would get married, have a family and live on a farm. That changed in high school when the idea of priesthood popped into his head. His family has been very active in their small, tight-knit parish, so Carter had the chance to really get to know the priests more personally. As time passed, Carter found himself praying more. He was accepted at the Catholic University in Washington, DC where he met lots of new friends and studied architecture. But the call to priesthood only became stronger, and Carter knew he had to give it a try. He left Catholic University and entered the seminary three years ago. While there have been tough times, Carter says his time in seminary has been a blessing and confirmed his calling.    

Carter looks forward to being a priest so he can, through the sacrament, bring people to know the love of God. “God has called me, and I trust God. God will use me as an instrument of His love.” In prayer, Carter goes back to his favorite scripture quote when he starts to stray into living life on his own terms. This passage calls him back because Carter knows it is only in God that peace and fulfillment will be found.    

In thinking about advice to someone considering priesthood, Carter admits there are lots of sacrifices to make, but it is a beautiful vocation if you are being called to it. Pray and trust is what Carter believes. Spend time with the Lord and listen to what He wants.

Tyler is a lifelong diocesan resident. His mother works at the local school and his father is a retired pastry chef. As a member of a small community and a small parish, Tyler has had the opportunity to try many different aspects of parish life from office work, catechesis, shoveling in winter and being a sacristan. Tyler is especially grateful to this parish community for the many ways it has nurtured his vocation and supported him in it. However, Tyler has not always wanted to be a priest. It was in the back of his mind while he considered other things during high school like, banking, teaching and medical careers. No matter how hard he tried, he could not remove the idea of priesthood from his mind. When he decided he really did need to consider it, if even just to get it out of his head as an option, Tyler attended several discernment gatherings and visited the seminary. It was at one particular mass when Tyler really had an experience of the Lord calling him to priesthood. Tyler applied and was accepted into the priestly formation program after his graduation from high school.   At the end of this year, Tyler will graduate from the college seminary with his degree in philosophy.   

Asked about what favorite prayer, Tyler replied, “The Holy Sacrifice of the Mass is indeed the greatest!” He quotes St. John Vianney who said, “If we fully understood the Mass, we would die of joy.” As he looks forward to priesthood, Tyler believes offering the Mass daily will be the best thing! In addition, the other sacraments offer healing and he looks forward to witnessing the power of the sacraments in the lives of those he will serve.      

What about some advice for a man thinking about priesthood? Tyler makes a very important point: You don’t have to be perfect or holy or have your life all together to discern becoming a priest! Seminary is a place where you can learn to grow in holiness and prayer. Regardless of the ultimate decision made, seminary time will make a better man. Confide in a trusted priest, pray before the Blessed Sacrament. Whatever you do, don’t put the idea in the “things I’d rather forget box!”

Kevin begins his second year of pre-theology at Saint Vincent Seminary, Latrobe, Pennsylvania. Kevin was baptized at St. Patrick’s Church in Watertown and grew up receiving his other sacraments and his religious education at Holy Family in Watertown. A native of Black River his family found a place in the community of Watertown to best foster their growth in the church. Altar Serving and Camp Guggenheim are just a few examples that have provided ample room for Kevin to grow in discerning God’s call for his life. Another influence in his life has been the witness of the two retired priests in residence in the Watertown parishes Monsignor Whitmore and Father Wiley. 
 
Kevin’s favorite prayer is of course the Mass. It is through this greatest sacrifice, whether offered on the shores of lower Saranac Lake at Camp Guggenheim or at his parish in Watertown, the mystery of Christ’s gift to us at Mass is so powerful and gives me excitement to one day be able to offer the body and blood of Christ to the people of God. He also loves spending quiet time with our Lord in the Blessed Sacrament during adoration. It is through these quiet moments that we can truly allow ourselves to listen to the promptings of the Holy Spirit that is being placed within our hearts. In an age where we are used to so much noise and distraction, it is necessary to step away from the noise and rest in the Lord’s presence. 
 
To those that are considering their own call, a good thought to consider is, if you do choose to go to seminary, that does not mean you have to be a priest. Going to seminary is just one more step of discernment and forming yourself to be a good Christian Man. Do Not Be Afraid, talk to a trusted priest mentor, and bring it to prayer before the Lord.