Father Peter Fournier

When was the first time you thought of the priesthood?
The first time I thought about being a priest was once in elementary school, but I also wanted to be an astronaut and author. I really did not consider it truly until I was a sophomore and junior in high school.

How did your family/friends respond to you entering the seminary?
My family has been a great support before and during my seminary experience. My parents were great, both of them work for the Church in some capacity and they knew what to expect. My siblings’ reaction ranged from the ecstatic to confusion, but they were definitely supportive. Most of my friends were not sure what it meant at first. I then explained the whole process and they told me that they were not too surprised. I actually had one friend ask if I would marry her once I was a priest… Then she quickly made sure I realized that she meant her and her future fiancé.

When you were younger, what did you think you were going to be?
I definitely thought I was going to be either a teacher or author… I am still hoping to write a book someday.

What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to entering the seminary?
Growing up I was involved in Altar Serving and CCD (both as a student and teacher). When I entered high school I was also a part of a Youth Group where we would participate at Steubenville East Conferences.

What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?
John 1:5, “the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This passage always gives me hope. I have a tendency to make some things more difficult than they need to be. The simplicity of this image reminds me that sometimes things are not so complicated. Jesus is the light and with Him there is always hope.

What is your favorite book?
My favorite book varies, so top three are Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Stephen King’s Dark Tower series, and finally McCullough’s John Adams

What is your favorite movie?
Shawshank Redemption and Oh Brother Where Art Thou

What are some of your favorite and most important spiritual readings / books / passages?
I like to read to read from Scripture, especially John’s Gospel. As for other readings, I do enjoy reading the Wednesday Audiences from current and former Popes.

Who influenced/ inspired you to priesthood? Please explain.
My father and pastors from my home parish, have the distinction of inspiring me to the priesthood. My father is a Deacon and witnessing him practice his ministry in the parish and the happiness it brought him made me curious. I also had three great pastors growing up in the parish and each one provided a model and unique approach to priesthood. Each of the priests had a joy and it was a joy that I wanted to experience.

What do you think a person who is trying to discern their vocation should be doing to help make their discernment easier?
The three things I recommend are pray, talk to a priest, and help in some type of ministry at the Church.

What do you consider to be one of the great challenges for a priest today?
One challenge I see for priests today is trying to bring hope to people’s lives.

What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture of vocations?
Have a strong youth ministry and also a community that is open to promoting vocations.

Did anyone invite you to consider priesthood? Please explain.
Yes, quite a few actually. My pastors have asked me and also many wonderful ladies at the church.

Is the seminary formation what you thought it would be? How is it similar or different from your expectations?
Seminary formation is in some ways what I expected. The seminary community prays, studies, works and prays together. It was different from what I expected by the fact that most of the formation takes place outside of the classroom.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
One thing most people find surprising is that I like reading comic books.

What do you enjoy most about the seminary?
I enjoy the discussions that take place during the classes, meals and at the end of the day.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ?
Through the example of my family and parish community.

What was your career or background before entering the seminary?
Was a student, and currently still am.

Father Fournier's Previous Assignments:

Summer 2003: Saint John Neumann Parish, East Freetown
Summer 2004: Study in Europe
Summer 2005: Saint Michael Parish, Swansea
February-May 2006: Saint Stanislaus Parish, Fall River
Summer 2006: Institute for Priestly Formation, Omaha, Nebraska
Pastoral Year 2006-07: Saint Pius X Parish, South Yarmouth
Deacon Assignment: Saint Jude the Apostle Parish, Taunton