Jonathan Perrotta

Theology I
Sacred Heart Major Seminary
Home Parish: Christ the King, Ann Arbor

Interest: Reading, praying, cooking, spending time with friends and family, outdoor activities, sports, UofM football, music and movies.

Jesus was and is the central figure in my discernment. It was his action and desire to grow closer to him that brought me to the seminary. It is his love for me and my desire to love him in return that is at the heart of my openness to the priesthood. While I have been Catholic all my life, in 2005, Jesus filled me with his love and peace in a new and personal way. Soon after this, I prayed to Mary and asked her to help me know God's will for me (and hopefully send me a wife!). She answered my prayers by showing me that Jesus wants me to be here in the seminary, discerning a vocation to the priesthood.

My response has also been strengthened and clarified by the people and events in my life. Fr. Browne, my former pastor, has been a tremendous example and help. The support and prayers of my parents, family and friends continue to allow me to respond to Jesus with a peaceful heart. The advice of several priests was and is a great assistance in my discernment.

The writings, for example, and I am sure the prayers also, of St. Francis de Sales and John Paul II were a blessing in helping me see the importance and beauty for each one of us, no matter where we are in life, to respond to God's love and will for us with a wholehearted "Yes!". More than anything I am doing, it is God's action that is making my vocation possible. I am too aware of my own weakness and unworthiness for such a holy life to think that it is anything but Jesus himself who is calling me.

Another aspect that has been important in my discernment is taking one day at a time and living as fully as possible in that day. God gave me great clarity about his will for me in this way and this also allowed me to let his grace give me peace and joy in following it. He has also given me a deep desire to share the good news of his mercy and love and I see the priesthood as a wholehearted way of doing this.