As young people are the topic of this years synod, many of them don't even know what a priest does in his day-to-day work. Such was the case of this young man who entered seminary, not knowing what a seminarian was or what his eight years of study would entail.
Now a priest, Fr. Brian McNavish took a leap of faith, trusting God in his mission for his life.
FR. BRIAN MCNAVISH
Parish priest, Georgia, USA
“In seminary we do what they call formation. It's really undergoing a process of coming to know yourself, and then coming to know the Church and then coming to know the people that you serve.” “Seeing the people as people who can contribute to the mission of God. Not just people who kind of check their bags at the door as they come in, but people who bring their bags in with them.”
He says listening to the life experiences of his parishioners is a “very sobering reality” and it brings him out of the “millennial mindset” he naturally has as a young man.
Yet, it was through understanding himself throughout seminary - his gifts, talents, weaknesses and tendencies - that he truly was able to accept himself and rely more on God.
FR. BRIAN MCNAVISH
Parish priest, Georgia, USA
'When it comes to being a youth or a younger person studying to be a priest, I think the main thing is empowerment and actually empowering individuals like myself who don't necessarily feel empowered in the Church. But once someone like myself is empowered, then I get to unlock the gifts I have and then see how God really wants to use those.”
Now, he tries to empower other individuals through leading marriage prep in his parish, hearing confessions and just accompanying the people who are experiencing life's difficulties.
FR. BRIAN MCNAVISH
Parish priest, Georgia, USA
“I've been a priest for four months now and it's absolutely delightful. It's a thrill and everyday is different. I have really profound experiences, really all the time. I see them as encounters with God. I see them as invitations from God to go deeper. One of the things I get to do is help other individuals respond to that invitation that God has for them.”
Fr. Brian says for any young person discerning a vocation to the religious life or even marriage, the best way to discern this call is to get to know oneself. Only through understanding one's limitations and strengths can one truly give everything they have to the vocation God called them to.
