Msgr. Walter Barrett  Holy Rosary parish, Richmond

Two events come to mind when I reflect on my initial call, or interest in priesthood. In elementary school (Van de Vyver Catholic School) the Franciscan Sisters would ask every so often, certainly twice a year ,"How many of you are interested in becoming priests?" With this simple question, the idea had been planted.

What watered the idea? Mass (at St. Joseph Catholic Church on First Street). The sense of the sacred during Mass captured my childhood imagination. However, the ministry of religious women and men who enjoyed their calling as sisters and priests, was the nudge I needed. I found it fascinating that men and women loved God and other people enough to give their lives in total service. I wanted this for me!

Finally, I found myself drawn to three other factors: the pastoral ministry of a particular priest, the love of one priest for Jesus, the people served, and the Mother of Christ.  That women and men would give up having their own biological family to serve Christ and his family in the Church--this utter dedication I experienced in the lives of several religious women and priests--was the nudge I needed to study for the priesthood.