Saint Catharines Diocese

Starting with his seventh-grade teacher, people had been telling Chase Hilgenbrinck that he should become a priest. He was flattered, of course, but he really didn't think priesthood was for him. He wanted to play soccer. The way he describes it, Hilgenbrinck's call to the priesthood came gradually. It is not like he woke up one day and God told him to become a priest. At first he resisted. He did not want to be a priest. All he could think of were the negatives. To begin with, he'd have to give up soccer.

1 . One who considers a personal relationship with an important and vital part of life. He shows evidence of working toward deepening his relationship with God. Prayer is a priority in his life.

2. One who has the ability and willingness to talk about his faith and experience of God in his life. The way he lives gives witness to his faith, He shows some current involvement in his local parish.

Hedonism and consumerism are asphyxiating the generosity of many youths, John Paul II said, in a message to the Carthusians on the ninth centenary of the death of their founder, St. Bruno.

"Our contemporary culture, marked by a strong hedonistic feeling, the desire to possess, and a certain mistaken concept of freedom, does not facilitate the expression of youth´s generosity, who wish to consecrate their life to Christ, hoping to walk on the path of a life of sacrificial love, [and] concrete and generous service," the Pope said.