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Why I want to be a priest

By Fr. Benjamin Sember

(This piece was written during Fr. Ben Sember's last days in Rome, before returning to Wisconsin in mid-June for his June 30th ordination to the priesthood.)

I was 13 or 14 when the thought of being a priest first crossed my mind.

	Related articles in this issue: • Bridging the Gap by Bishop Zubik -- For them, we are grateful • Three join order of priesthood at Cathedral (includes photo) • New priest considered vocation at young age (Fr. Kysely) • New priest said friendship started vocation (Fr. Ben Sember) • New priest ready to let God work (Fr. Joel Sember)
	Previous articles: from June 22, 2007 issue: • Bishop to ordain three from August 25, 2006 issue: • Three take next step on path (includes photo) August 11, 2006 issue: • Three seminarians will be ordained as deacons (includes photos of the three men) April 29, 2005 issue: • 'Like a herd of sheep, all hungry for pasture' (by Ben Sember) • Smoke became the main topic in Rome (by Joel Sember) April 15, 2005 issue: • Seminarians among faithful to mourn pope June 25, 2004 issue: • Celibacy is a great treasure for the church and for others (by Ben Sember) January 9, 2004 issue: • How one person made a difference for a seminarian August 9, 2002 issue: • 'Seeing the pope was best part of whole trip' (by Joel Sember) January 11, 2002 issue: • How Scripture guides our seminarians April 13, 2001 issue: • 'I had to check priesthood' (Ben Sember) December 8, 2000 issue: • Sacraments attract seminarian (Joel Sember)

I enjoyed helping our parish priest by serving at Sunday Mass. Somehow I felt that worshiping God was vital and beautiful and very important, and I was happy to be a part of it.

During high school I began to face the question of what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I wanted to live a life that would be significant and the work of priesthood was something significant. However, being a priest seemed mysterious and daunting, and I wanted a firm sign from God before plunging in.

By senior year of high school, I was at a crossroads and still had no good sign from God. My parents said they supported me wherever I felt called, which was encouraging but still left the decision up to me. My twin brother was also considering priesthood, and I appreciated his support.

At 18 years old, we visited St. John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul, Minn. I loved the atmosphere of daily Mass, prayer, spiritual direction and studies at the University of St. Thomas. My brother and I were convinced that the seminary would be a good environment to discern our vocations and we enrolled the next fall.

Slowly, I began to grow into a deeper sense of faith and a stronger awareness of the presence of God. I realized that discerning my vocation was not a matter of deciding what I wanted to do with my life, but discovering where my life fit into the plan of God. I became convinced that priesthood was the right fit.

A significant moment for me was coming to Rome to study theology in the fall of 2004. Pope John Paul II had been a great inspiration to me and I was able to attend some official papal Masses. It was beautiful, but difficult to see him struggling with his health. I knew that it was his love for God and his love for the people that kept him appearing for audiences long after his body had given up.

When the Holy Father passed away in April, I was struck by the millions of people who came to see his body and who watched on television. I felt as if I had lost a father, and the whole world seemed to feel the same way.

I knew then why priests are called "father." A priest becomes the visible face of the invisible Father who reaches out in love and compassion to the suffering and those who have lost hope.

When Pope Benedict XVI was elected, he made it clear that there was one message the Church needed to preach: Deus Caritas Est. God is love, and he reveals his love in Jesus Christ.

It is true that every Christian must make God's love known in the world, but a priest is unique because he stands in the place of Jesus himself, especially when he celebrates the sacraments. Through the sacraments, God forgives our sins, proclaims his love for us and renews his covenant with his people. In my own life, I know the sacraments are like water for my soul, washing away the dirt from my journey and refreshing me with new life. These sacraments are so badly needed in the world.

I am happy to report that my brother also discerned the call to priesthood and we will both be ordained together on June 30. I realize now, much more deeply than I did when we were first serving Mass together, how important and vital this worship is for the life of the Church and the salvation of the world, and I am very happy to be called to celebrate this worship.