Editor's note: This is the seventh in a periodic series spotlighting those in formation for priesthood at St. John's Seminary in Camarillo.

As a seminarian in my first year of theology, I must admit that learning about our faith and discerning the priesthood are exciting things for me. But this wasn't always the case. As a cradle Catholic, I took the gift of faith for granted. In fact, I struggled with my faith and questioned it, but I didn't try to find answers.

Events in the year 2000 helped to bring me back to the Catholic faith. I attended a day of recollection wherein I felt the strong presence and love of God (I even had the gift of tears when I was in line for confession that day). Then I had the wonderful opportunity to attend World Youth Day in Rome later that summer. I saw so many youth on fire for Christ and I decided that I wanted that for myself.

Coming back from World Youth Day, a small flame burned within me. At my parish, Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Montebello, I joined the Life Teen choir and the core team, attended apologetics courses to find some answers to my questions, and became an usher.

By this time I was already working in the social work field and finding fulfillment in serving others. But on Thanksgiving 2001, after receiving the Eucharist, I thought that my experience as a social worker would come in handy if I were to become a priest. Since that was the very first time that I voluntarily thought about the priesthood, I prayed over it and kept an open heart. The more I prayed, the more excited I became.

I also noticed that my job wasn't as fulfilling anymore because I couldn't share my faith with my clients. Serving on the core team of the youth group also wasn't meeting my desire to do more than just teach about our faith. At this time I began to seriously discern this possible call to the priesthood. After two years of discernment, attending several vocation events, and meeting with the vocations team, I applied to the seminary.

Looking back on my life, I believe that God was inviting me into something special, but I just wasn't ready at the time. After I came back to the Church, I was more willing to listen to God. Then I came to the realization that God was always calling me; it was just when I was ready that I was able to hear Him.