David Napoli

Home Parish:   St. Monica's, Methuen

Seminary:        St. John Seminary, Brighton

College:           Franciscan University of Steubenville

Hobbies:          Surfing, Swimming, Traveling, Cooking, Piano

When was the first time you thought of priesthood?
The first time I thought about the priesthood was the first time when I had spiritual and conversational interactions with a Conventual Franciscan Priest in my home parish.  His personal touch and and his striving to be Christ to me was of great influence.

What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to the Seminary?
World Youth Days in Cologne (2005) and Toronto (2002), Six Steubenville Youth Conferences and many retreats and conferences in the Catholic Charismatic Renewal

What is your favorite Scripture passage?  Why?
"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (2 Cor. 3:17).
When we lose ourselves to the Life of the Holy Spirit, we gain our true identity.  In this, we obtain (by the grace of our saviour Jesus Christ) authentic freedom.

What was your involvement in parish life before entering the Seminary?
I worked as a lay person for 3 years in 2 Catholic Churches.

Who influenced/inspired you to priesthood?  Please Explain.
The many altruistic priests who serve the Catholic Charismatic Renewal and the grace from the renewal itself is a great source of grace for me seeking entrance into the seminary.  They have been a hope for me in a world in need of great hope.

What would you say to a young man who thinks he may have a vocation?
First, you must seek and grow in a personal relationship with the triune God.  Second, you  must continually seek holiness, and the voice of God will be more clear as you become more pure.  Lastly, find and talk to holy priests who can help you on this discernment.

Please tell us, what are some of the most important parts of discernment?
First, you must be satisfied with God's call to holiness alone.  Your joy is dependant on unity with God alone.  After you have accepted this, ask God how He wishes you to respond to that joyful unity.

Is Seminary formation different from what you thought it would be?  How is it similar and different from your expectations?
 I was at first scared of seminary formation but am suprised at the peace and happiness I have found here.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I was able to do a small amount of mission work in the Amazon jungle and actually ended up swimming in the river as well.

What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture of vocations?
I believe the Lord is faithful, and that there is no lack of men being called to the priesthood.  The solution in my eyes is for everyone to decrease in worldly things and increase in holiness.  Everyone should take this a personal responsibility.

Did anyone invite you to consider priesthood?  Please explain.
Yes, but after I had already felt the calling.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ?
An older priest at my parish prayed over me one day after Mass, and I came to be open to a personal realtionship with and in Jesus Christ.

What were some of the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and His Church?
The Community Support of my household brothers at Franciscan, community support of prayer communities, personal prayer time, and interacting with priests have all been influential in this.

What are some of your favorite and most important spiritual readings/books/passages?
"God in Me" by Fr. Matthew Swizdor
"Love alone is Credible" Hans Urs Von Balthasar
1 Corinthians 13

What is your day like in the seminary?
I wake up and prepare myself for the day.  I then go to morning prayer and Mass.  After,we have classes, lunch, and more classes.  Then we end with a holy hour, evening prayer and dinner.  After dinner, and in between the earlier activities, I try to spend time with my brother seminarians.  In addition, I try to get out once a week to attend prayer meetings and go surfing.

Through the Cardinal, God is calling you personally to help rebuild His Church.  How must the Priest respond to this mandate today?
A priest must be faithful to bringing the truth and love of Jesus Christ to all.  It is important that he first has this abundantly in his life and nourshish it through community and personal prayer.  This way, people may want the joy that he has.

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