“There is nothing more adventurous or fulfilling than following God’s plan for your life.”

Meet Jim Musgrave, Theology II Seminarian for the Archdiocese of Detroit.

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

My call to the seminary was born out of daily prayer and Eucharistic adoration, rooted in a deep love for Jesus, and driven by the mission to continue the work Jesus began on Easter Sunday: the restoration and recreation of the world. Getting involved at my home parish, Our Lady of Good Counsel in Plymouth, really helped me to grow as a disciple and discover that God was calling me to continue discerning priesthood in the seminary.

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

Praying and studying Sacred Scripture on a daily basis has been one of the greatest blessings of being in seminary formation. God has and continues to speak to me in new and unexpected ways through Scripture. Spiritual direction has also helped me to know Jesus, and therefore myself, in a deeper way.

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

I was not called into the seminary until my 30s, so I had already been established in my career, owned a home, etc. It was difficult giving that all up, and at times seemed impossible, but I found these words from St. Paul to be especially poignant and helpful as I was discerning: “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as refuse, in order that I may gain Christ.” (Phil 3:7-8)

What attracts you about the priesthood?

I’ve always been attracted to and involved with evangelization, discipleship, teaching, servant leadership, and healing. All of those things (and more) were fulfilled in Christ’s priesthood, and I have a strong desire to participate in his ministry by making God’s love and mercy present and available through the sacraments.

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

Fr. John Riccardo and Fr. Jim Bilot have been great priestly mentors, spiritual fathers, and friends; Mary Guilfoyle, Melissa Hunt, and countless other friends and fellow disciples I prayed, served, and did life with at OLGC; and all of my friends and benefactors from the Laboure Society who helped rescue my vocation from student loan debt.

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

There is nothing more adventurous or fulfilling than following God’s plan for your life, so focus on your relationship with Jesus. Spend time with him every day in Eucharistic adoration and he will reveal the right next step — whatever that may be. Don’t let fear or feelings of inadequacy, unpreparedness, unworthiness, or any other lies or accusations from the enemy stop you from your unique mission as a disciple of Jesus.