Below is the first in a series of vocation stories from various Vincentian priests, brothers and seminarians. Their stories are not incredible or spectacular but, like most calls from God, are about ordinary men called to do extraordinary things in the name of Jesus Christ. John is a first year seminarian currently studying at St. Louis University and living in community at the Vincentian Residence in St. Louis.

Please remember to invite young men to consider the call of priesthood or brotherhood. It is YOUR invitation that could make the difference. Or let me know his name and contact and I will gladly follow through. Thank you for your continued support and prayers.

More biographies of Vincentian priests and brothers and seminarians can be read on our vocation web site. Log on to www.ExploreTheCall.org ("vocation" menu). If you would like vocation news about the Vincentians in the Midwest and Southern regions log on to our online vocation newsletter at www.cmvocation.org/eNews .

Fr. Ron Hoye, CM, Director
Vocation TeamWorks
800.337-2851
FrHoye@cmvocation.org


	John Roarick

My name is John Roarick and I am in my first year of formation with the Vincentians. I lived with the Vincentians last year because I was a Gateway Vincentian Volunteer (a program that gives young adults the opportunity to live and work in the spirit of St. Vincent) and decided to stay with the Vincentians and begin formation. Before my decision to volunteer, I talked to a representative from the diocesan seminary. I told him I wanted to become a priest to live a simple life working with the poor. He suggested instead of joining the seminary, I become a Catholic Worker. Obviously he did not know the Vincentians.

I worked full-time at a homeless shelter my first year out of high school and then I relocated and worked on a psychiatric unit in the hospital for a year. From these two experiences, I knew that I wanted to devote my life to helping others. Sure I could have devoted my life to this type of work and love without becoming a priest; but there was also a deep pull inside of me toward the priesthood, toward a formal dedication to God and service to others. Yet after my discussion with the seminary rep and some discernment, I knew that the diocesan priesthood would not be where I would fully find God, so I decided to get away for a year and volunteer to think about what to do with myself. I was blessed that I volunteered at a place that would offer me everything I wanted out of a vocation.

I may sound altruistic in wanting to be a Vincentian, giving myself to others, but I am not. I want to be a Vincentian for myself. I feel alive, free, and at peace when helping others. Community living offers the same feeling. It does help that I love my community. It is full of ordinary guys who do not pretend to be pious or special Catholics. They are good guys who like to laugh. Sometimes I have wondered, "Wow. Do I really want to become a priest? I mean I could help the poor without becoming a priest. I could motivate others to love the poor without preaching." But then I ask myself, "Why would I want to leave the Vincentians? All that I need is here – an environment that nourishes me spiritually and enables me to live a simple life for God in order to continue the mission of St. Vincent to help the less fortunate."

Vincentian is published bimonthly by the Midwest and Southern Provinces of the Congregation of the Mission, the Vincentian Priests and Brothers, to promote the apostolic works of its members and those of the larger Vincentian Family.

Congregation of the Mission, Vincentian
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Earth City, MO 63045
phone: 314-344-1184
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