November 21, 2009 |
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Meet the Seminarian Spiritual director helped teen discern call to the priesthoodJackson Reeves, 19, is a member of Most Holy Name of Jesus Parish in Gulfport. He was home-schooled and graduated in 2008. Reeves is presently attending St. John Vianney College Seminary and enjoys playing the piano, reading and spending time with his friends and watching movies. FLORIDA CATHOLIC: When did you first think about the priesthood? JACKSON REEVES: The first time I thought about the priesthood was in my sophomore year, but I did not consider entering the seminary until my junior year. FLORIDA CATHOLIC: Who influenced you to want to become a priest and how did that person influence you? JACKSON REEVES: The person most influential in my discernment was my spiritual director, Father Tim Sherwood. After seeing his example and hearing his vocation story I thought, “Hey maybe I should consider the call to priesthood.” FLORIDA CATHOLIC: What is your favorite Scripture passage and why? JACKSON REEVES: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Col 3:16-17) I like this passage in particular because I like to sing and give glory and praise to our God through the Psalms, but I don’t always do it with “gratitude” or listen to what the words are really saying. It goes on to say that I should do anything and everything in Jesus’ name, giving thanks to God through him. FLORIDA CATHOLIC: What are some of the most important parts of the discernment process? JACKSON REEVES: One of the most important parts of discernment process is remaining open to God and where ever he might be calling you. This can be done through prayer, which is the most essential part in discernment. Without it would be like having a one-sided conversation. FLORIDA CATHOLIC: What advice would you give to someone considering a vocation to the priesthood or religious life? JACKSON REEVES: Keep that dialogue and communication with God open and go where he is calling you. Another thing that helped me a lot was having a spiritual director. This helped me see from another perspective when I had doubts or confusions. FLORIDA CATHOLIC: Who is your favorite saint and why is he/she your favorite? JACKSON REEVES: My favorite is St. Thomas More. I like him because of the strength of his faith. Even though death was looming over him he did not compromise his morals, principles and values just to please someone. He brought this to the point of martyrdom. FLORIDA CATHOLIC: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned, spiritually, so far, while at the seminary? JACKSON REEVES: The biggest lesson I have learned so far spiritually would have to be that even in dry times of prayer when it seems like nothing is happening, I am giving myself and my time to God and that it is important to make time for prayer with him daily. This is something I had never realized before.
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