Fr. Derik Peterman, a priest serving Our Lady of Sorrows Parish in Farmington Hills, MI, shares a bit about his journey to the priesthood, why he loves being a priest, and his insights on how parishioners can support the priests who serve in their community.

What is the greatest gift about being a priest?
Being an instrument of the healing power of Jesus Christ in people’s lives. It is amazing to see God work through me to bring about real conversion, healing, and peace in the souls of His people during confession and by praying with them.

What would you say to a young man discerning the priesthood?
Pray! There are so many voices competing for your attention. In order to hear the voice of God, you have to get away from the screens and the noise. Taking the time to pray every day is critical for being able to discern where God is calling you. It also helps in becoming the man that God wants you to be, and not who others want you to be.

How can people at your parish best support you?
A word of encouragement really goes a long way. With the identity of the priesthood under so much attack, it is greatly appreciated to have people affirm the priesthood, and what we do as priests to lead people to Christ.

How do you see the Holy Spirit working in the Archdiocese of Detroit?
I believe the Holy Spirit is working in the Archdiocese of Detroit by raising up a generation of young people who are discovering the Catholic faith for themselves. I see a new fervor and love for the Lord in these people, and am encouraged for the future of our local church.

Describe the first moment you knew God was calling you to the priesthood.
There were about 11 years between the first moment I thought God might be calling me to the priesthood and the first moment I knew God was calling me to the priesthood. Even after that, the Lord had to confirm his calling in my heart. I was given a great confidence in my vocation by God’s grace, after spending so much time begging Him to show me what path to take in my life. I was thinking about my fears, those thoughts which kept me from moving forward with a decision about my vocation. When I brought those fears to the Lord, and said them out loud, Jesus gave me the courage to overcome them. At that moment, I realized that my fears were keeping me from seeing my vocation, and I knew God was calling me to the priesthood.

What should all young people know about discerning a vocation? 
A vocation to the religious life or priesthood is just as much a calling to intimacy as it is a calling to service and sacrifice. We often think about what one is giving up by following a call to the religious life or priesthood, but a life of celibacy for the sake of the Kingdom allows for the possibility of an incredible closeness with the Lord. There is no need to fear loneliness. Jesus provides and His grace is enough.