Seminarian Profile:
Joel Phelps

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you're becoming a priest?
I am blessed with a supportive family that encourages me to follow God's will. They understand that if this is what God has called me to, it is also the best thing for me to do.

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?
Yes, although seminary life keeps me pretty busy, I have ample time for recreation. I mainly prefer to spend time with my brother seminarians, read, and play various types of strategy games.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?
Before I entered seminary I studied accounting, and so I think that I would return to business school and do some sort of work in the accounting or finance field.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?
I have two younger brothers.

What is your favorite TV program?
I don't really watch television anymore, but when I did I enjoyed The Simpsons and Futurama. Also, I just enjoy watching the History Channel in general.

Who is your favorite singer or music group?
I don't listen to much music, but I generally enjoy either traditional religious music or rock.

Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?
Yes, but not bored with Christ. School can become a little boring, but it passes.

How is a seminary different than a regular school?
In a regular school, one tends to set his or her own schedule outside of class time. However, in the seminary we have many "house functions." We pray together, eat dinner together, have talks about formation or other topics, and such. In addition to the education which is the only component in most regular schools, we are being formed as priest's for Christ's Church. That's pretty unique.

How often do you see your family?
We get breaks at the major holidays (Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter), and I have time off in the summer. I usually spend this time with my family.

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?
Certainly. It may be a hokey saying, but there's truth to the statement that "the best things in life are free." Money cannot buy the things that ultimately make a human person happy. Only Christ can do that.

How often do you pray?
Primary in a seminarian's prayer life is daily Mass, which is the source and summit of our Christian life. After this, seminarians pray the Divine Office, which Deacons and Priests are obliged to pray. It is mainly made up of the psalms and biblical readings, and is prayed in about five small sections throughout the day. Prayer time before the Blessed Sacrament is also important, and I generally try to make a Holy Hour in prayer and meditation each day. Finally, I rely heavily upon the maternal intercession of Mary, and so pray a daily rosary.

Who helped you decide to become a priest?
The example of good, holy priests was very important in my discernment. They helped me to see what it truly meant to be a priest. So, the priests at the U of I Newman Center, at my home parish (St. Philomena in Monticello), and the vocation staff were the main people that helped me to decide to become a priest. Also, though, I was helped by the example of other young men who were either in the seminary, or considering it. They helped me to see that this is a vocation to which many are called.

When did you decide to study to be a priest? How did you know God was calling you to be a priest?
During the second semester of my sophomore year at the U of I, around the time of Pope John Paul II's death and Pope Benedict XVI's election, I began seriously considering the priesthood. Over the following summer, I attended an Emmaus days retreat put on by the Diocese. At this retreat I was able to step back from everything, spend a lot of time in prayer, and talk with priests and seminarians about the whole process. Through this experience (mainly the prayer), I came to recognize a call to pursue this vocation in the seminary. I submitted this request to the bishop, who called me to study at Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary in Winona, MN. It is through relationship with Jesus in prayer that I first heard, and continue to hear, the calling to follow Him in this way.

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?
Hearing confessions and celebrating the Mass. I am humbled to think that God will allow me to serve Him in these two extremely powerful ways.