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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father William J. Vit Jr.

Birth date: March 6, 1978

Hometown: Fort Dodge, Iowa

Education: University of Northern Iowa, BA, Business Administration
Conception Seminary College, Pre-Theological Studies
Pontifical Gregorian University, STB: Theology, STL: Patristic Theology

Ordination date: July 2, 2005

Current assignment: Rector, Cathedral of the Epiphany

Hobbies/interests: Cooking

Describe your call to priesthood. I always saw and appreciated the value of the priesthood, but as a young man was more interested in secular work. Midway through my business studies at UNI and already recruited for a career with John Deere, the call to priesthood began to develop. I grew in my prayer life and parochial participation while at the same time remained grounded in academic studies. The formation process of seminary both challenged and affirmed my call to priestly life and ultimately led to my ordination in 2005.
Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to priesthood? The example of holy and active priests served as a perfect inspiration and role model to pursue priestly ministry. The greatest examples of priesthood have been the well-grounded and authentic men who have pastured me throughout my life.

Was it a difficult decision to make? I felt the decision to answer the call to priesthood was rather natural, however the ability to full-heartedly trust in the Lord was often difficult. That is why prayer was so important in my discernment process.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? I enjoy watching people situate themselves in the gospel. Whether it is through pastoral works, teaching or preaching, I enjoy being an instrument to unite the daily lives of people with the teaching of Jesus Christ. Because we tend to grow accustomed to the gospel message, I find great joy when I see someone understand this Good News in a new and very practical way. This is truly Christ working in our midst.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? As a young child I found a prayer card of the Memorare in one of the church pews of my home parish. I decided to prayer that prayer every night before I went to bed and have done so ever since. This prayer has fostered a sound devotion to the Blessed Mother in my life. I am not sure who lost their Memorare prayer card, but it sure made a difference in one boy’s life.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? The priesthood is a worthy devotion because of the tangible way the priest is invited to live as Christ for one another. The faithful look to the priest to be an example of Christian living, and this is both a deep honor and an awesome responsibility. Through the humility required to live this vocation a profound sense of worthiness becomes apparent in the vocation to the priestly life.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? Pray, go to Mass and be authentic. Talk to a priest you know and trust in the God you love.