Chris Peschel

When was the first time you thought of the priesthood?
Probably around 4th Grade at St. Mary’s School in Taunton

How did your family/friends respond to you entering the seminary?
There was a bit of questioning at first, but everyone is overall very positive

When you were younger, what did you think you were going to be?
Probably a politician or lawyer

What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to entering the seminary?
I was an altar server, participated in the youth group, and traveled to two World Youth Days in 2002 and 2005. I also attended three youth conferences at LaSalette shrine run by Franciscan University in 2003, 2004, and 2005.

What is your favorite Scripture passage? Why?
Sirach 4:21-32. This passage speaks of giving oneself over to wisdom, and literally becoming its slave. If we see Our Lady who is sometimes referred to as “Seat of Wisdom” as the wisdom mentioned, then this passage takes on an entirely new meaning in devotion to Her.

What is your favorite book?
Story of a Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux

What is your favorite movie?
All three Lord of the Rings

Who influenced/ inspired you to priesthood?
Many people influenced me, but my grandfather was definitely someone who helped form me in my Catholic faith and really appreciate the gift of the priesthood. I was also blessed to have great examples of priesthood from the priests I grew up knowing.

What was one of the hardest things for you in your discernment?
Being able to surrender my entire self to Jesus Christ and not let distractions from the secular world take my attention from what it is that I need to do.

What do you think a person who is trying to discern his or her vocation should be doing to help make discernment easier?
Pray the rosary! If discernment is going to be made easier, it will be through Mary that it is done.

What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture of vocations?
A greater strength in families. It is through the primordial institution of the family that vocations are fostered. This has been said many times by many people, and it is true.

Did anyone invite you to consider priesthood?
In high school a couple of campus ministers suggested that I think about priesthood, and although I wasn’t particularly attracted to it at the time, I really took their suggestion to heart.

Is the seminary formation what you thought it would be? How is it similar or different from your expectations?
Seminary is very much like I thought it would be. Things are very ordered and time is very limited. However, the time spent developing the well roundedness of a person is so well used, the formation program truly is remarkable.

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I spent last summer learning how to work on the stock market!

What do you enjoy most about the seminary?
Living in community, the camaraderie and fraternal support in vocational discernment and formation. This is essential and extremely helpful for someone on the path to priesthood.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ?
Through Eucharistic adoration, praying the rosary, and going to Mass. I think the best way to know Jesus is to go to Him and ask Him to let you know Him. This alone has brought me so much peace in my life. Also, you should never be afraid to ask Mary to bring you to know Jesus. She is the safest and surest route to getting you there.

Anything else?
If any young man has even the remotest thought of entering the seminary and preparing for priesthood, I want to invite him to answer that call and rejoice in the vocation God has given to him.