Riley Williams

When was the first time you thought of the priesthood?
I first thought of the priesthood in middle school. I was an altar server at my parish and a student at St. Francis Xavier Prep in Hyannis. Getting to know priests at both these places, and also seeing their example, first made me wonder about whether this might be the path for me.

How did your family/friends respond to you entering the seminary?
My family has always been very supportive of me, as have been the priests and lay faithful of my parish.

When you were younger, what did you think you were going to be?
Besides the common desires of all first graders to be an astronaut and the president, preferably at the same time, at a somewhat later age I thought about maybe being a doctor.

What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to entering the seminary?
My pastors were always very good about giving me ways to be involved at my parish; there, I was an altar server, CCD teacher, and sacristan. I also helped out with class retreats at my high school.

What is your favorite Scripture passage?
While it is difficult to choose one, a passage that really stands out for me is Jn. 12:27. For me, this passage signifies the trust that we must have in God in following His call, remembering that it is for He that we do what we do, and not for our own benefit. While we may have trepidation at the things to come, known and unknown, if we truly follow God there is nothing to fear.

What is your favorite book?
While it would be difficult to choose a single favorite, one that really stands out is "The Red Horse," by Eugenio Corti.

What is your favorite movie?
While there are several I like across the different genres, one of my favorites is "The Mission." I also like the M. Night Shyamalan movies, not only because of their storylines but also because of the deeper issues on which they touch.

What was one of the hardest things for you in your discernment?
I would say that one of the hardest was trusting Divine Providence — giving myself up to God and trusting that His will is always what is best for me, no matter what may happen in life.

What do you think a person who is trying to discern his vocation should be doing to help make discernment easier?
I think that being able to honestly ask oneself what one feels called to do in life is the first step. This is greatly aided by a regular prayer life and reception of the sacraments of Holy Eucharist and Reconciliation. Also, don't be afraid to approach a priest, religious, married or single person to ask them what drew them to their vocation. Trust in God that He wills the best for you, and He will be faithful to you.

What do you enjoy most about the seminary?
While there are many things I could say, I would have to put as number one the other people here, both the priests and other seminarians. To be in a community with others seeking to follow Christ, but who can enjoy life at the same time.

How did you come to know Jesus Christ?
While I first encountered Him in church, I would say that, as in any relationship, the process by which we come to know someone is long and varied; therefore, through Scripture, the Sacraments, but more through seeing the example of other disciples of His in my life has helped me to realize His love for all of us, and also awakened in me a desire to bring His love to others as well.

Riley's Previous Assignments:

Summer 2007: Language Study