James Rolph

College II
St. John Vianney College Seminary
Home Parish: Christ the King, Ann Arbor

I had never really considered the priesthood throughout high school. I had thought about it but always came to the conclusion that it was not for me. I attended a Catholic high school and I was in my senior year. I had already been accepted to multiple colleges and planned to play baseball at whichever one I chose to attend. At one of our weekly masses, as the priest was giving the homily, I felt God say to me, "This is what I want you to do". This was a huge turning point in my life.

At first I ran from the call. I thought that if I just ignored it, it would go away. Throughout my senior year, I sought to please only myself and God had very little to do with many of the decisions I made. After a few months of running from this call, I finally decided to give God a chance. I contacted our diocese vocation director and planned a visit to a college seminary. Immediately, I felt as if a huge weight had been lifted off of my shoulders. For so long I had been trying to please myself instead of allowing God to work in my life. I have been happier doing God's will than I could have possibly been when I was living for myself.

Although I'm not sure yet whether or not I'm supposed to be a priest, I know that if I trust in God, He will not lead me astray.