Fr. David Cybulski

“Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. And sometimes you need to make a choice without having all the data or all the evidence.” Fr. David Cybulski joins Fr. Craig on Men of the Hearts to share his vocation story. After obtaining a master’s degree, working in Arizona, and unsuccessfully applying to seminary in the Diocese of Phoenix, Fr. David moved home to Detroit and entered seminary at the age of 31.

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(0:04) Fr. Craig welcomes listeners to this month’s episode and introduces Fr. David Cybulski. The priests reminisce about their seminary days and discuss homily prep, singing at Mass, and their Christmas experiences.

(12:59) Fr. David begins to share his vocation story. He explains that he was raised Catholic, attended Catholic school, and became an altar boy in fourth grade. Although a priest told Fr. David, “You’re gonna be a priest one day,” he did not really consider priesthood at the time and stopped altar serving while in high school. While studying engineering at the University of Michigan, Fr. David continued to practice his faith due to the influence of his family.

(28:43) After obtaining his master’s degree, Fr. David moved to Arizona and worked at a company called Intel. He recalls, “I thought I had it made.” As Fr. David’s church lacked other young parishioners, he joined the group College Youth for Catholic Truth and learned more about his faith. Fr. David became a weekly adorer at a new perpetual Adoration chapel after his pastor said, “If you really believe in the Real Presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, can’t you spend one hour a week with Him?”

(36:39) After seeing a friend apply to seminary, Fr. David found that “I’ve got this tug all of a sudden that’s coming back.” He heard the CEO of his company say, “Never be afraid of being wrong,” and realized, “I have to pursue this.” Fr. David applied to seminary in the Diocese of Phoenix, but the right doors did not open for him to enter. He moved back to Detroit and entered seminary at the age of 31.

(52:34) Advice to a discerning man: Fr. David reiterates his former CEO’s statements, “Don’t be afraid to make a mistake. And sometimes you need to make a choice without having all the data or all the evidence.” He adds, “And I’ve always advocated for if a guy has an inkling coming outta high school, he should go right in… those years won’t be wasted. They’re probably the best formation you can actually have.” Fr. David closes the episode in prayer.