Thomas Macdonald

When was the first time you thought of priesthood?

The first time I felt a call to the priesthood was during my freshman year at college. Seeing my classmates' deep hunger for God sparked something inside me. Their need and the joy I experienced sharing God with them opened my ears to the Lord's voice.

What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to the Seminary?

I came to the "Come and See" Retreat for the Archdiocese of Boston in February of 2007, but by then the vocation directors had already gotten their hooks in me and I had begun the application process.

What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?

It changes from day to day :-) Lately I've been thinking a lot about Hebrews 4:15-16, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help." I think these verses express God's radical embrace of all the struggles of human life in the person of Christ. This embrace enables us to draw close to God even in darkness, for He too felt the darkness of sin, abandonment, and death.

What was your involvement in parish life before entering the Seminary?

Growing up at St. Catherine's, I was an altar server for many years. During my college years, I was involved in a number of ministries at the Newman Catholic Center at UMass Amherst. I taught CCD and helped facilitate an RCIA discussion group.

Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood? Please Explain.

Because of I've been inspired by so many great Christian men and women, it's hard to pick just a few names. Fr. Bill Sullivan, Professor Neal Shipley, and all the staff at the Newman Center helped me to discern my call more deeply.

What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation?

Seek the counsel of loving Christian men and women who have your best interests at heart. Find a good spiritual director and confessor, stay close to the Eucharist, and discern your vocation further by pouring yourself out to others through service to the materially and spiritually poor.

Please tell us, what are some of the most important parts of discernment?

For a few years I tried dating my way out of my vocation to the priesthood. I figured that if I found the right girl I'd be "free and clear" of my vocation "problem." Trying to run from the priesthood ultimately only served to reinforce my sense of having the call. Finally making the leap to apply to the seminary was a big breakthrough. Making that tough decision, even in light of having divided feelings, brought me great peace.

Is Seminary formation different from what you thought it would be? How is it similar and different from your expectations?

I really tried to free myself of any expectations for the seminary during the time between my acceptance and entrance into the seminary. The wonderful spirit and expression of fraternity at St. John’s is a continuing joy for me that I had not anticipated.

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I’m pretty much an open book :-)

What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture of vocations?

I would recommend frank discussion of the question of vocation. All too often “vocational discernment” means figuring out what career one wants to pursue. Parents, priests, educators, and friends need to encourage young people to explore the mysteries of God’s love and the longings of their own hearts.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ?

I was brought up in the Church, but only began to take the Faith seriously after becoming convinced intellectually that the fundamental claims of Christianity were true. My first robust experience of the reality of Christ was through this intellectual discovery.

What were some of the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and His Church?

Obviously prayer and adoration deepened my relationship with Christ. Sharing the graces I have received has also opened my eyes and heart to deeper insights into the person of Christ.

What influence (if any) has Pope John Paul II had on your vocation?

John Paul II provided me a compelling vision of the energy, charisma, and strength that comes through a life lived for Christ.

What signs led you to believe that God was calling you to be a priest?

The encouragement of others, but mostly a persistent tug at my heart to explore the life of the priesthood.

Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.

Prayer grounds me in the presence of God. Through prayer, God calls me back to Himself and guides me into His peace and love.

How does the Priest best follow in the footsteps of the Apostles?

Priests must strive to make their very lives signs of God's presence in the world. Through the ministry of the Sacraments and their day to day relations with others, they must shepherd their people towards an encounter with the mysteries of God.