Diocese of Lansing seminarian, Jacob Derry, would very much appriciate your prayers. The 25-year-old, who hails from the parish of St John the Evangelist in Fenton, is currently studying at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit on his path, Deo volente, to the sacred priesthood. Today Jacob gives his advice to those prayerfully pondering the call to the priesthood. As for his story? Here it is below:
“I didn't sense a call to the priesthood until after graduating from college at the University of Michigan,” recalls Jacob.
“I was living and working in Indianapolis. I had some of my own ideas of how I thought my career and life would work out, so I was slow to give up control to God. Thankfully, I found great Catholic community and good friendships in Indy that led me to attending Daily Mass and Eucharistic Adoration at SS. Peter & Paul Cathedral.”
This was when, says Jacob, the Lord “began transforming my desires and my heart in beautiful ways” such that he began “listening to Him and asking for His Will to be done” until one day at Holy Mass he sensed Christ inviting him to the sacred priesthood.
“At first I was afraid, but His invitation was repeated multiple times over the next few months. I eventually visited the seminary to get a better idea if this was indeed where God wanted me.”
“After witnessing the joy at the seminary and being filled with reassurance from Jesus, I took the leap! God’s dreams and plans are always so much bigger and better than mine! If you're considering a call to the priesthood, trust in Jesus. Offer yourself to Him.”
Please keep Jacob in your prayers in the months and years to come. Saint Charles Borromeo, patron of seminarians, pray for him.
• Do you also feel that Almighty God may be to the Sacred Priesthood? Contact Father John Whitlock, Director of Seminarians for the Diocese of Lansing on 517-342-2507 or at jwhitlock@dioceseoflansing.org