CHARLOTTE — The Diocese of Charlotte is blessed with 45 men enrolled at three seminaries to study for the priesthood this fall – 24 men at St. Joseph College Seminary in Mount Holly, 15 at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Cincinnati, and five at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, with one taking a pastoral year.
James Tweed, a parishioner of Sacred Heart Church in Brevard, is one of those studying at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary.
To help the faithful of the diocese come to know him and how his call to discern the priesthood has unfolded, the Catholic News Herald recently asked Tweed about his discernment process:
CNH: When did you first hear the call to a vocation to the priesthood?
Tweed: I was in high school when I first heard the call to the priesthood. Until that moment I had always felt a strong affinity toward consecrated life, but I turned my attention away from it for more sensible certainties in my life. I was at a Steubenville conference in Atlanta, and the priest who was promoting vocations asked people to rise and receive prayer if they thought they were called. At last, he called those with vocations to the priesthood to come forth. Once the priest asked the question plainly, it was as if my entire being was impelled by grace and courage to stand – any tempting thought contrary to affirming the voice I heard within felt as an injustice against some inexplicable inner-known truth. It even made me sick to my stomach to consider saying “no.”
After talking to the priest, I spoke with my brother Joseph, then my mother. They both strongly encouraged me to follow the voice of the Lord without fear.
CNH: What type of feedback or advice did you get from them?
Tweed: My brother told me, “Pray about what you heard, then do whatever He tells you.” My mother asked me, “Are you sure?” and after I affirmed positively, she said, “Follow His voice; He will not lead you astray. I will help you get to wherever He is calling you.”
CNH: How did you go about discerning where you felt called to explore your possible vocation?
Tweed: I turned away from my vocation for about five years. After I graduated from the last college I attended, I took a year off. During the year off, I notified my parish priest of my intentions. I attended Mass several times a week, went to weekly confession and bi-weekly Adoration, and acquired a spiritual director who trained me in Ignatian meditation. This all disposed me to listen closely and clearly to God’s voice. Eight months into my year off, I researched religious orders including the Jesuits and Dominicans, but when I began considering the diocesan priesthood, I felt peace and received a strong inner awareness impelling me to ask my parish priest to place me in contact with the diocese’s vocations director.
CNH: How and when did you reach out to the vocations office at the diocese?
Tweed: I consulted with my parish priest for the right information after I was certain that the Lord wanted me to reach out to the diocesan vocations director.
CNH: When did you enter seminary for the Diocese of Charlotte?
Tweed: In July of 2019.
CNH: Tell us about how you approached the discernment process throughout your time in seminary.
Tweed: When I entered seminary, I gave myself over entirely to the formation, spiritual direction, fraternity and in obedience to the priests. I think this is absolutely necessary. Further, spiritual books are quite helpful, but I found that silence of the body and abandonment of the soul’s every action to God disposes one to receive His wisdom and love.
CNH: What advice do you have for a man discerning a call to the priesthood?
Tweed: Never hastily tell yourself “no.” Due to the immense need for priests today, God is calling many. Since you may be among them, you must carefully consider what may be a calling. By attending daily Mass, frequent Adoration and regular reconciliation, you will become pure in grace, and God will make your path straight.
Give yourself entirely to Jesus through Mary!
CNH: Looking back on your discernment period over the years, what do you think has helped you the most to discern God’s will for your vocation to the holy priesthood?
Tweed: It was a true act of humility; I turned towards God and fell in love with Him immediately.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter
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Your DSA contributions at workSeminarian education is funded in part by the annual Diocesan Support Appeal. Learn more about the DSA and how to donate online at www.charlottediocese.org/dsa.