“I was able to find constant joy with the call to be a priest.”

Meet Daniel Whalen, Theology II Seminarian for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

How did you experience God’s call to be a priest?

I experienced God’s call to be a priest through the lived faith of my family, the school I went to, and the Church. It was through this community of believers that I began asking God, “What should I with my gifts?” Then, through prayer and the advice of priests and friends, I was able to find constant joy with the call to be a priest.

How has your relationship with Jesus grown since you entered seminary?

My relationship with Jesus has grown tremendously! Not only am I able to call Jesus as my Lord, my King, and my God, but also my Friend. I place all my weaknesses and strengths into His Sacred Heart so that His love guides me. Sacred Heart Major Seminary, through their priests, staff, and faculty have guided me to listen to the loving and encouraging voice of Jesus.

Did you have any fears about pursuing the call to the priesthood? If so, how did you overcome them?

I did have fears about the call. I was not sure if I was capable enough, smart enough, or good enough to be a priest; however, I overcame them by Christ. At one point in Eucharistic Adoration, I surrendered to Jesus and accepted His love to penetrate my very being.

What attracts you about the priesthood?

I am attracted to the relationship the priest has with the Church. I am always inspired by seeing priests with a close relationship with the sacraments and with Christ because this relationship calls the priest to express Christ love with others.

Who has helped you the most on your journey to pursue this vocation?

My parents, Msgr. McEnhill, the priests at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, and my friends have all helped me pursue my vocation to the priesthood.

Do you have any advice for young men considering a vocation to the priesthood?

My first advice is that all young men should pray about being a priest, a religious brother, married or the single life. Secondly, my advice to the young men considering a vocation to the priesthood is to stop wrestling the idea of being a priest in your head. But instead, move on the idea by asking a priest and then come to the seminary. This helped me because all the “what ifs” and “buts” would freeze me up; but by talking about the priesthood with priests and by going to the seminary, I was able to confirm my vocation.