Q & A with Matthew Ericksen

What would you say to other young men who may be wondering if they have a vocation to the priesthood?

Why wonder? Pray, and beg God not to allow you to become a priest if it is not His will, but if it is, for him to give you the strength and desire to conform to His will.

When did you decide to study to be a priest? How did you know God was calling you to be a priest? What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?

At a vocation's retreat on my twenty fifth birthday, although I did go to think about the priesthood, but to pray.

I was not certain if God was calling me to be a priest, but I knew I needed to come to the seminary. One priest said "if you might be called to the priesthood, even the slightest possibility, you owe it to yourself and to God to go to the seminary and find out. If you are not called to the priesthood you lose nothing, and come out a better man, better prepared to be a good husband and holy dad, or whatever it is God wants for you." I knew inside of me that this meant me, that I had to go and find out. I have been happy and I am still here, years later.

I don't know. I can't even imagine what it is like to stand in the place of Jesus, and make Him present for his Church. To say "this is my Body" or "I absolve ..." and so bring people closer to Him and Him closer to his people. Maybe the best part would be just before death and knowing that I answered "Yes" when he called, and thanking the Lord for the gifts He has given me and those he has given to others through me, a faulty instrument. Or maybe just showing others Jesus' infinite Love and Mercy, trying not to get in the way myself, and seeing His Love and Mercy work in those who come to him and to his sacraments, to the Church.

Who or what influenced you to study for the priesthood?

I don't know. Of course the retreat and those at the retreat, including Fr. Brett Brannen and Fr. Tim McKeown. The experience of God's mercy in confession. The prayers of my mother for many years though I never knew it was her prayer. The prayers of untold others, some specifically for me, some for vocations in general. The help unnoticed given to my by my Guardian Angel. Also many people suggested that I think about the priesthood, or commented that they thought I might make a good priest.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?

When I applied for the seminary I had been applying also to teach English in foreign countries and for community service type work in the U.S. Neither was intended to be a career, but something to do for awhile while allowing me to pursue other interests of mine as well. I love to travel, I love history, working with people, and geography.

What was the reaction of those closest to you when you entered the seminary?

My family was very supportive. Many of my friends are not Catholic, though and most reacted somewhat negatively, though some were simply curious and happy if I was happy. However they all still friends of mine.

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time at the seminary?

Well, yes! I enjoy sports, like soccer, and ultimate Frisbee. This spring break I went canoeing and camping. I enjoy sharing meals with friends. Not as often anymore, but I still enjoy trying foreign foods! There is time to watch movies, play ping pong, or find another entertainment on a weekend evening, or to write letters to friends or to read a few pages of the life of saint during the week. I also enjoy running.

How many brothers and sisters do you have? Do you see much of your family and friends outside the seminary?

One brother, one sister. I am still in contact with my friends. During the Christmas and summer breaks especially, but other times during the year it is possible to meet up with them. My family I do see regularly during the summer. And during the school year I see them three or four times, for several days at a time.

How is a seminary different from a regular school?

You can't even say there are no girls. We study with them in college classes as well, and share the cafeteria with the university and the library and gym as well, at least at this seminary. However, here in the seminary is group of so many men, from so many backgrounds, coming together trying to live a holy life and discerning the call to the priesthood. It is not a monastery, yet it is wonderful place to learn in depth one's faith, what it is to be priest, and to discern if you are called to be priest. And here you know you are not alone, but share it with so many others seeking the same thing. Plus you don't normally have a spiritual director at regular school, daily adoration, liturgy of the Hours, Mass, etc. At least I did not.

What scares you about becoming a priest?

Myself. If I trust myself too much and Jesus not enough, I will be an obstacle and not an instrument. We must constantly ask for humility, and naturally very proud.

What would you say to other young men who may be wondering if they have a vocation to the priesthood?

Why wonder? Pray, and beg God not to allow you to become a priest if it is not His will, but if it is, for him to give you the strength and desire to conform to His will. Then knock on the door, I mean, start the application process. Take the steps necessary. There is a lot of time before a final decision is made. And see if the doors open. If they open then do walk through, and learn about the priesthood at the seminary. And keep on walking. If it is God's will that you be some where else, here is the place to find out. And a door will close. Or you will know through your prayer and the help of spiritual director. But if it is God's will that you be a priest, that you find your happiness and fulfillment serving Him and the Church as a priest, why wait?