Catholic seminarians more committed than ever to become priests

CHICAGO - In what is a difficult time to answer the call, Catholic seminarians across the country say they are more committed than ever to become priests.

"It's a challenge for me and gives me strength," says Freddy Chuchuca, 36, a seminarian from the Diocese of Laredo, Texas. "I want to show people the true face of the priesthood: men who are willing to give over their lives to God."

Adds Luke Meyer, 23, a seminarian studying for the Diocese of Fargo, N.D.:
"[It's] like lighting a fire in your bones to do the right thing or change the cultural perception of what a priest is."

Every March, Catholic Extension, which supports the vocations of some 400 seminarians in mission dioceses nationwide, works to raise awareness about the need for vocations in poor, remote areas where the Church struggles to provide priests and ministries for growing Catholic communities. Today during these difficult times, these young men need our prayers and support more than ever, says Bishop William Houck, president of Catholic Extension.

"In these days of challenge for our Church, these young men provide some much-needed inspiration," says Bishop Houck. "It is extremely encouraging to know that these men have found the courage to pursue a vocation that is under great duress and scrutiny. We must continue to support and pray for these men and the future vocations of our Church."

The seminarians supported by Catholic Extension said they already had chosen to follow God's call before news of the scandal broke.

"At first I asked myself, 'What am I getting into''' recalls Justin Lopez, 21, of Provo, Utah. "It was a question that was asked of me a lot. So it made me think a great deal about what I needed to do and why I was doing this. I realized, more than ever, that this is what I wanted to do."

Adds Michael Patno, 19, from the Diocese of Memphis: "It definitely put a fire in my heart and made me more committed."

The seminarians also believe that the Church will weather the storm and they stress the importance of remembering the good priests that aren't making headlines.

"We tend to focus on the scandals, but when I stepped back and looked at the bigger picture, I saw that God is really faithful and the Church as a whole is holy. There are many good and holy priests who are not being talked about by the media," says Rommel Tolentino, 31, a seminarian sponsored by the Diocese of Lake Charles, La.

You can read more about the resolve of these seminarians in the March issue of EXTENSION Magazine, the monthly publication of Catholic Extension, the leading supporter of missionary work in America.