CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed with 41 men currently studying for the priesthood in four seminaries.
Twenty-seven men are at St. Joseph College Seminary in Belmont. Ten men are studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, Ohio. One man is finishing up his studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio, and three men are at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Deacon Joseph Wasswa, originally from Uganda, is a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury. He is in the final phase of his studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum. His ordination to the priesthood is scheduled for June 19 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.
To help the faithful of the diocese come to know him and how his vocation has unfolded as he has progressed in his discernment, the Catholic News Herald recently asked Deacon Wasswa to talk about his journey to the priesthood:
CNH: When did you first hear the call to a vocation to the priesthood?
Deacon Wasswa: When I was in fourth grade, I had the opportunity to attend catechesis classes at my home parish in Matale, Uganda, that lasted for about two years. During this time, I was enrolled in the altar server group for the parish and I developed a deeper love for the Church, especially after learning about the many sacrifices the missionaries made in order to bring the Catholic faith to people in remote areas. While in sixth grade, I received the sacrament of confirmation, and it was at this very moment that I received the vocation to the priesthood. The atmosphere at the confirmation Mass was overwhelming: the church was packed, everyone in their Sunday best, the bishop and the priests adorned in glorious garments and filled with great joy, and then came that moment when the bishop confirmed us. It occurred to me at that moment that God was calling me.
CNH: Who did you first talk to about your vocation?
Deacon Wasswa: I talked to my parents, my siblings and my friends, then I talked to the priest who was in charge of schools, youth and vocations at St. Joseph Catholic Parish in Matale.
CNH: What type of feedback did you receive?
Deacon Wasswa: I received a very encouraging and supportive response. The priest in charge of schools and vocations at the parish contacted the seminary in order for us to get the interviews done and other examinations before entering.
CNH: How did you go about discerning where you felt called to explore your possible vocation?
Deacon Wasswa: After the admission interviews and examinations, I entered the minor seminary at Holy Family Bukalasa Minor Seminary in Masaka, Uganda. I learned a lot about discernment from my brother seminarians who were advanced in their seminary training, and from priests’ recreational gatherings with seminarians.
CNH: How and when did you reach out to the vocations office at the diocese?
Deacon Wasswa: At the time I was continuing my discernment at Belmont Abbey when I learned about the Diocese of Charlotte. I contacted Father Christopher Gober, the diocesan director of vocations, and the whole process started from there.
CNH: When did you enter seminary for the Diocese of Charlotte?
Deacon Wasswa: I entered seminary for the diocese in 2016.
CNH: What have you have been doing throughout your time in seminary as part of discerning your vocation?
Deacon Wasswa: I pray the Liturgy of the Hours daily. I attend Mass every day. I pray the rosary every day. I spend a Holy Hour with the Lord every day. I listen to spiritual music regularly, and I read spiritual books – especially about the lives of the saints.
CNH: What advice do you have for a man discerning a call to the priesthood?
Deacon Wasswa: Fall in love with Jesus and His Church! Start with love, and pour out your heart to Jesus.
CNH: Looking back through your discernment, what has helped you the most to understand God’s will for you?
Deacon Wasswa: First, closeness to Jesus, and complete trust in His love and care for me. Second, the prayers and support from family and friends, and all the people of God across the Diocese of Charlotte. I am very grateful to them.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter.
Pictured: Deacon Joseph Wasswa distributes Holy Communion during his transitional diaconate ordination Mass July 17, 2020, at St. Mark Church in Huntersville. He is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood on June 19. (SueAnn Howell | Catholic News Herald)
Is God calling you?
If you think God may be calling you to a vocation as a priest or religious, the Diocese of Charlotte has resources to help you!
Go online to www.charlottediocese.org/vocations to learn more and connect with someone who can answer your questions and provide discernment guidance.