Ordaining One of Our Own

May 22

May 22, 2022

In our vocations starved generation of the Church, it is rare for a parish to produce priestly or religious vocations. Holy Redeemer Parish is a rare exception to that rule. Having only been a parish for twenty-two years, we have had one of our own ordained to the priesthood in 2014 (Fr. Brian Thompson), while another six are currently in formation for the priesthood or religious life. One of them, John Paul Tomassi, left for the seminary almost nine years ago. He took a major step toward the priesthood when he was ordained to the transitional diaconate by Archbishop Etienne on Saturday, May 21st. God willing, John Paul will be ordained to the priesthood at the cathedral in Seattle, in June 2023. Please pray for John Paul, Elizabeth Tadlock, Evan MacKenzie, Grace Hincapie, Kaitlyn Goertzen, Andrew Brands and by God’s grace, many more vocations from our parish in the future.

A brief word about how long it takes a vocation before they reach the priesthood or final vows. A person discerning a vocation takes about a decade of discernment before they enter the seminary, convent, or monastery – a decade before they even enter?! That’s right. And it may take a decade after they enter before they reach the priesthood or final vows. Vocational discernment to something as radical (in this day and age) as being a public, religious figure; vowed to celibacy, obedience to someone else, poverty, and prayer; takes many years to say yes to. That discernment frequently begins in childhood. Holy Redeemer’s extensive programs for our kids, as well as our clear presentation of the faith and a sense of the Church on mission, contribute greatly to vocations to priesthood and religious vocations. What helps more than anything else though, are parents who prioritize the Catholic faith in their families, making God number one (not family, activities, or the kids likes and dislikes). If God and His Catholic Church (the only one God established) are honestly a family’s first priority; and parents talk about the faith and encourage their kids to think about a vocation, then one might happen. See how rare that is?

The vocational winter that the Church has been in for over 50 years, will come to an end sooner than most Catholics think. Until that day comes, we have to intentionally be counter cultural in living out our faith, both at home and in public, if we hope to pass it along to our children and grandchildren let alone raise up future vocations.

On the other side of this pastor’s column is a brief version of John Paul’s vocation story. Enjoy!

May Almighty God Bless You,

A Brief Version of John Paul Tomassi’s Vocation Story

Jesus said to them, “Come after me, and I will make you fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17)

I distinctly recall the way the light reflected off of a very placid Lake Hannan from where I sat in Discovery Lodge that morning, as I pondered Jesus’ invitation to his first disciples. As the lake glistened, I felt even the water itself inviting me out onto some new and great journey. Some details have faded about that morning at Camp Hamilton, over ten years ago now. About to enter my junior year of high school, I was attending a “Quo Vadis Days” retreat, which the Archdiocese hosts (with the help of Serra Clubs and other gracious supporters) each summer to give teenage boys a chance to think about priesthood and to enjoy some good food, camaraderie, and prayer.

What dawned on me in that otherwise unremarkable moment, as I stared in wonder at the glassy surface of the lake, was that I probably was being called, whether I liked it or not, to at least look into ‘the priesthood thing.’ Come after me, I had heard year after year, and I will make you fishers of men. College was looming on the horizon, and along with it some major life decisions. The idea of the priesthood had been with me since I was very young, and it had attracted me at various points. It was something that I had mulled over throughout middle school, as I served many daily and Sunday Masses at Holy Redeemer, watching the simple fidelity of Fr. Mitchell and Fr. Phelan.

Suffice it to say, there were days in high school when I found other ideas a lot more appealing. I had tried dating during sophomore year, experienced some heartbreak, and moved on. My belief in God had wavered that year, but I was blessed to emerge from that period of doubt with a deeper faith. That summer, I no longer found myself interested in becoming a fighter pilot, which had been a childhood dream. Even so, the attraction to priesthood was lingering there. How many men, I wondered, might have a vocation to the priesthood but never really recognize it? So I decided to at least try to take the next step, whatever it would be.

That was one defining moment, among many, that led me in the path of discernment to where I am now: in my ninth year of priestly formation, completing my third year of Theological studies, and approaching my ordination to the Order of Deacon. It's been a long journey, and I believe that I am far from done with "formation." Over the years, my discernment has deepened and moved in surprising directions. I never could have guessed at age eighteen that in only a few years I would be falling in love with the Church as the Bride of Christ, and with Christ Himself, who has lovingly called me to join Him as a brother and a friend in ministering to His Mystical Body. It will be an honor to enjoy your presence and prayers as I lay down my life before the Father for Christ and His Church. In the meantime, please storm Heaven for me so that I might prepare myself properly and remain steadfast.

Your Brother in Christ,

John Paul Tomassi
Seminarian