Seminarian Profile: Jake Vercimak

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you're becoming a priest?
My family absolutely loves the idea, and most of my friends are quite supportive.

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?
I have a sorts of fun. In my free time, I like reading, playing music (especially organ), taking walks, and talking with people, and learning about other languages.

If you were not a priest, what do you think you would be?
I would probably be something in the medical field.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?
I have three brothers.

What is your favorite TV program?
I really don't watch much TV.

Who is your favorite singer or music group?
If I have to say a PARTICULAR singer, I'll have to say Buckwheat Zydeco (I love Cajun music).

Do you ever get bored while studying to be a priest?
Sure, I'm human.

How is a seminary different than a regular school?
People in seminary seem to be a bit more dedicated to their work, and life is a bit more scheduled.

How often do you see your family?
About every two months.

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?
Who says you need money to be happy?! As long as I'm doing something I love to do, I don't need much money at all!

How often do you pray?
Several times, daily.

Who helped you decide to become a priest?
I'll say that a number of priests I've known for many years and friends I made at the University of Illinois Newman Center helped me make the decision.

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 enter seminary in summer of 2005. How did I know? Although I'm not totally sure I'm supposed to be a priest at this point in seminary, there seemed to be a persistent idea in my mind for many years when I decided to enter seminary.

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?
If, God willing, God does choose me to be His priest, I think the best thing about being a priest will to be a means to reconcile people back to God in the Sacrament of Reconciliation - to be able to bring the Divine Mercy of God to people.