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Parish: Saint Robert Bellarmine, Wilkes-Barre
Year of
Study: College I at Cathedral Seminary House of Formation, Douglaston, N.Y.
1. What are some of the factors that led to
your decision to enter the seminary and discern further the question of a
vocation to Diocesan Priesthood?
The
main factor was my parish. Growing up in a strong community of faith showed me
the importance of not only the church’s role in the people’s life, but also the
role of the priest. From an early age, I knew the importance of the Mass and
sacraments to our parish but also the witness so many individuals gave to
support our parish. From Altar serving, to singing in the choir, to even
volunteering at parish fundraisers, I saw the people of God active in their
faith. I wanted to not only be in that community, but to dedicate my life to
the community of God’s people. I believe it is through this passion to serve
the community of Jesus’ Church that I receive not only many blessings, but also
the joy and peace that is brought to my heart to make this next step in my life
with Christ and his Church.
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| Andrew served as Master of Ceremonies at his home parish of Saint Robert Bellarmine in Wilkes-Barre for the Christmas liturgies |
2. What is a day like at the seminary?
A
day in the seminary is not always easy, but it is full of joy! Most days we
start early in the morning with 6:45 a.m. morning prayer and holy hour. We then
grab something quick for breakfast, and then it’s straight to class at St.
John’s University. We study a variety of different topics, but our main course
of study is philosophy. After class, I usually have some free time to study,
spend time with other seminarians, or spend some time with the Lord in prayer.
At 5:30 p.m. we pray evening prayer and celebrate the Eucharist as a community
followed by dinner. The rest of our evening after dinner is usually free. This
is just a basic outline of our schedule, but I can honestly say that I never
had two days that were exactly the same. Each day brings different blessings
and challenges that I face in confidence. Not every day is easy for me, but the
joy of serving the people of God gives me the energy to overcome any challenge
I face; whether it is writing a ten-page paper, or just trying to find some
time to relax. But the joy I receive is amazing! I do not think that I have
ever been closer to Christ than this time in my life! I have really begun to
see Jesus’ hand working in me.
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| Seminarians Jonathan Kuhar, Andrew McCarroll, and Kevin Miller at World Youth Day in Krakow, Poland |
3. What is the role of prayer in your life?
Prayer
is the corner stone of our life in seminary. I do not think I could ever get
through a day here without it. Our main form of prayer here is the celebration
of the Eucharist and the Liturgy of the Hours; but it does not stop there!
There are so many different forms of prayer I have experienced and use in my
daily life. From meditating on Sacred Scripture, to prayer in front of the
Blessed Sacrament, to quiet mediation and examination of my day. It is through
this deep connection of letting God enter my daily life that I gain strength to
go wherever He guides me. But also through a strong life of prayer I realize
that I cannot do this alone, but that I am more dependent on God than ever
before.
4.
What are some of your hobbies?
There
are many different thinks I like to do in my free time here at seminary, but so
much is offered to us that I find it impossible to ever be bored. Most of my
time I spend with some of my closest friends that I have met here. We explore,
go to events, or just hang out in the common room in the seminary. But on an
individual level, I enjoy going for a walk at the park down the street, read a
new book, or just relax. One of the greatest gifts of living in Queens, New
York, is how close we are to Manhattan. To be able to explore the city always
gives you a new adventure in itself.
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| Music Ministry at ISLI in June which Andrew was a part of it |
5. What advice would you give to someone who
is thinking about a vocation to diocesan priesthood?
Seminary
does not always mean you are going to be a Priest. I think that is one of the
biggest misconceptions about seminary today. Too many times young men think
that once you are in the seminary you are in for good or that you are signing
your life away. That is really not the case at all. Seminary is just a next
step. So far I have seen great guys come to seminary and figure out that
seminary is not for them, and that’s okay. They gave it a try and looked into
it, and they opened their hearts to the Holy Spirit and trusted. And these guys
are some of the most faithful disciples I have ever met. Being a disciple is
all about trust. If you feel that the Holy Spirit might be asking you to look
into the priesthood, go for it! Trust God, because if you put your life into
his hands, you certainly will not be disappointed. We must give all our worries
over to Christ, because we cannot walk this road alone. So in the words of St.
John Paul II, “Be not afraid! Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into
the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” Just as Christ called Andrew and
Peter from their boat to follow him, so to Christ calls each and every one of
us to follow him in ways we never expected. So cast out into the deep! Trust
the Holy Spirit, and let him into your heart to guide you on the way he has
planned!