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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: James Daniel McCormick

Birth date including year: April 23, 1936

Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa

Education: St. John’s Collegeville, Mt. St. Bernard Seminary, Creighton University

Ordination date: May 26, 1962

Current assignment: Retired

Hobbies/interests: Reading, travel

Describe your call to priesthood. I wanted to help others in the best way I knew how. I thought priests offered that kind of help.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to priesthood? My father and mother were committed to helping others. They valued the priesthood very much. Msgr. Leo McCoy was my father’s idol.

Was it a difficult decision to make? No

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? Being able to serve others in times of great need.
Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? The Divine Office and celebrating the Liturgy.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? Priests foster spiritual growth – that has an eternal dimension.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? It is a demanding but exciting and fulfilled vocation. Looking back on a life of serve brings great satisfaction.