The Cardinal and the Crook

“I don’t think you should apply to the seminary right after college.”

John felt puzzled and hurt. He asked, “But why not? Don’t you think I can handle the seminary? Look at how well I’ve done in college. Or is it that you don’t think I would be a good priest?”

“Just wait and let me explain. Of course I think you can handle it. You’re extremely bright and have always been a hard worker. So, there is no doubt in my mind that you can handle the grind of six years as a seminarian. As far as being a priest, you have the ability to be an outstanding one! You’ve always been caring, and you are a natural leader. People look up to you. They respect you. Yes, yes, you definitely have all the essential qualities to be an amazing priest.”

Now John was completely baffled and asked why his father didn’t think he should apply to the seminary. It was Father Jason’s turn to explain.

“Father Pat didn’t say to never apply—he simply said not to apply right after college. There’s a difference! We both think you would benefit from working for a year or two. With your grades and your second major in business management, you will have no problem landing a job with a good company. This will give you the opportunity to interact with many different types of people and circumstances in the real world. If and when you become a priest, you’ll be an even more capable priest because you will have formed a better understanding of the challenges your parishioners face in their day-to-day lives. This experience will lead to a deeper empathy. In addition, the business experience will help you when you have to manage your own parish.”

At this point, Father Pat took over. “Think of it as an extension of your education. And there’s also another reason. Being in what Father Jason has described as the real world will give you the opportunity to decide if the priesthood is really what you want. Who knows . . . while working in Boston, you might meet an attractive young woman, fall in love, get married, and make me a grandfather. And that would be great, too!