Seminarian Profile: Paul Carlson

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you're becoming a priest?
Yes. Our discernment to the priesthood is not just a decision we make. The Church, the faithful, and our families help recognize and support vocations. Family and friends might often be able to recognize the possibly of a vocation to the priesthood before we do!

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy building things out of wood, working with plants and gardens, as well as reading and traveling.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?
Probably a teacher.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?
One sister.

What is your favorite TV program?
I don't usually get to watch much TV, but I like the older shows like the Andy Griffith Show.

Who is your favorite singer or music group?
I don't listen to a lot of music, but I prefer something simple like string quartets when I'm studying.

Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?
Yes, sometimes when studying theology you can miss the forest for the trees. That's when it is time to take a break and remember what all the study is for.

How is a seminary different from a regular school?
The seminary is more focused. We live in a community that is gathered for a particular mission. There is a special unity and energy at the seminary that I don't think can be found elsewhere.

How often do you see your family?
Not as much as I would like. But most seminarians can see their families at least every couple months.

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?
Money can't buy happiness. Even Forbes Magazine had to admit that! God made each of us for a purpose. If He made you to be a priest, I think it would be hard to find happiness doing anything else.

How often do you pray?
We pray throughout the day. There are usually community prayers every morning and evening with Mass. Then we also pray several other times each day, but our personal prayer can be done where and when it works best for us.

Who helped you decide to become a priest?
God's providence works through more people than we can even realize. But I have benefited by the examples and encouragement of some very holy priests.

When did you decide to study to be a priest? How did you know God was calling you to be a priest?
I decided to try the seminary after three years of college because I thought I might have a vocation to the priesthood. It is really in the seminary when we enter into formal formation that God's call is clarified and discerned by ourselves, our spiritual directors, and the Church.

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?
I know the best thing about being a priest is offering Holy Mass for the faithful.