Hi Gareth,

I would prepare by striving to live a sacramental, prayerful life and learning what we believe as Catholics. This would include:

• getting to daily Mass if possible
• visiting an Adoration Chapel often, if one is available.
• praying the Rosary daily and
• going to the sacrament of Confession on a regular basis.

I would also read and study the Catechism of the Catholic Church as well as the writings of the Early Church Fathers, the very first Christians, who lived from 100 A.D. to 800 A.D. The best version I know is Faith of the Early Fathers, a 3-Volume set by William Jurgens.

I would also find a priest that could be a spiritual advisor for you. Make sure he is loyal to the Holy Father and Church's Magisterium. If he isn't, dump him and ask the Lord in prayer to provide you with a solid priest.

You will be in my prayers.

Take care,

Mike Humphrey

Dear Mike:

It is wonderful to hear that Gareth is listening and trying to respond to God's call to priesthood!

What Gareth needs to do is simply see his Pastor! The pastor will coordinate with the local bishop's office to put him in touch with the Vocations Director for his diocese.

He will assess where Gareth is in the discernment process and outline a plan for him to journey toward priesthood.

Fr. Nick