Seminarian Profile: Adam Stimpson

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you're becoming a priest?

Yes, my friends and family are very supportive.

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?

One of my initial fears about studying for the priesthood was that I would have to sacrifice things that I really enjoyed. Though the priesthood, like all Christian vocations, involves sacrifice, I have been able to continue to enjoy and develop areas of my life that I love. In my free time, one might find me playing the guitar, going to the movies, or camping in the great outdoors.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?
If I were not a priest, I think that I would be a teacher in a Catholic High School or University. My life will always belong to Christ and even if I were not called to the priesthood I would still need to give myself to teaching others about his love.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?

I have one younger sister who is married.

What is your favorite TV program?
Smallville

Who is your favorite singer or music group?
Bela Fleck and the Flecktones

Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?
Of course some assignments or lectures are boring to me. Yet, I find that the study of the great mysteries of our Faith is a life-giving mission. I rarely remember the times that I am bored, and I cannot count the number of times that I have been led into a half hour meditation after reading a beautiful text or having a great discussion.

How is a seminary different than a regular school?

The structured community life, centered around the liturgy and the emphasis on formation, set aside seminary life from regular college life. Living in a dorm with a hundred other men all with the same mission helps me to embrace Christ's will for my own life. The fraternity found at seminary and the help from the formators helps a young man to grow in his Christian identity and vocation. These helps in following Christ could be really hard to find at a regular school.

How often do you see your family?

I see my family often. My family lives in the Peoria diocese and I see them on regular school breaks and during the summer.

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?

This is a silly question, as if money is necessary for happiness. If we take seriously that Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life (which He is!), then how can we kid ourselves that following Christ without reservation would somehow lead to unhappiness.

How often do you pray?

I pray everyday at various times throughout the day. Sometimes I will simply pray in my heart or out loud simply thanking God for the day or praising Him for something. I pray the Liturgy of the Hours five times a day and attend Mass daily. I also spend some time with the Scripture readings of the day and ask God not only what the text means but also what it means for me and those I serve. Of course, I haven't always prayed with such regularity. Ten years ago I simply started by reading a chapter of the Bible before I went to bed at night. I look back on how my prayer has grown and am grateful that it was God the whole time inviting me to deeper constant conversation with Him.

Who helped you decide to become a priest?

I was active in a youth group my senior year of high school and it was there that I first thought about becoming a priest. I started talking with priests, friends, and family about the idea. I attended a couple of Emmaus Days retreats for discerning a priestly vocation and it was there that I found the information and encouragement I needed to act on the calling in my heart.

When did you decide to study to be a priest? How did you know God was calling you to be a priest?

I first decided to enter seminary at the age of seventeen. After graduating high school, I entered college seminary. Yet, I discontinued from formation my freshman year of college because I was not longer certain about the priesthood. I wanted to date and hopefully get married and have kids. I finished my undergraduate degree at the Franciscan University of Steubenville and began teaching high school religion. I continued to seek the Lord's will in prayer, study, and ministry. I came to understand that as a man its no surprise that I desire to be a husband and father. The Lord helped me to understand that it was my love for Him and His Kingdom that were the deepest and most passionate loves of my heart and that this love demanding my whole self. In the end, I know God is calling me to the priesthood, but He didn't speak to me in a voice from a cloud. Through times of honest prayer, conversations with friends and spiritual directors, and testing the call by actually entering formation for the priesthood, I have come to believe that I have the desires and gifts to be His priest.

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?

I think the best thing about being a priest will be simply being a priest. The priest is able to do amazing things: celebrate Mass, forgive sins, and counsel souls. I admit that celebrating the Mass and hearing confessions is the first thing that comes to mind when I am asked this question, but when I think about it a little more, the priest is more than what he does. If I could never say Mass or hear a confession, what a beautiful life it would be simply being a priest, set aside for Christ and His Church.