Vocation: Priesthood - New Seminarian Michael Thomas

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New Seminarian: Michael Thomas

Before entering the seminary, I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in political science from Santa Clara University in California and a Juris Doctorate from Boston College Law School. During my time in law school, I served as a student-attorney at Harvard Law School’s civil litigation clinic at the Harvard Legal Aid Bureau. I first discerned a call to the priesthood while in law school. I was approached about a possible religious vocation by Rev. Fred Enman, S.J., the chaplain at Boston College Law School. He asked if I had ever considered a religious vocation. My initial response was to dismiss the idea. 

St. Ignatius, in his Spiritual Exercises, discussed three types of persons in responding to God’s call. By failing at first to say “yes” to God’s call, I was the second type of person described by St. Ignatius: those who compromise on what they know to be the Lord’s desire for them.

“They act in a kind of partial response, but they still hold back something for themselves,” according to St. Ignatius.

I did everything, except the one thing necessary, in response to the call.

Following law school, I represented the State of Utah in the prosecution of felonies and misdemeanors as a deputy district attorney. I also practiced law as a trial attorney for Brayton Purcell, LLP, a large law firm based in California.

Shortly after my time at Brayton Purcell, LLP, I found myself before Rev. Jan Bednarz, pastor of St. Martin de Porres Parish. I will not forget the moment. During Confession or shortly afterwards, he said, “It is Our Lady of Fatima feast day, and it just occurred to me that you might have a vocation. Have you ever considered it?”

Fr. Jan placed a novena to Our Lady “Undoer of Knots” in my hands. I took the novena out to my truck and prayed it. I told God, “I cannot answer your call; I just cannot do it! You have to help me!”

He helped me.

It took a few more years, but I obtained the holy indifference, or a total openness to the will of God in my life, and finally opened myself up to a true discernment.

Prior to seminary, I discerned my call as a novice with the U.S. West Province for the Society of Jesus [the Jesuits] in Los Angeles. Ultimately, I was prompted to apply as a seminarian to the Diocese of Salt Lake City.  I began my pre-theology I studies in the Master of Arts (philosophy) program in August.

I have never felt freer or happier or more fulfilled in my life.

I consider myself blessed to make a good discernment and transition to the path toward the priesthood of Jesus Christ.  It is a great honor to be a part of the community of the Diocese of Salt Lake City.

I like to close my vocation story with the words of our Blessed Mother, who responded to St. Gabriel at the Annunciation, upon learning of the Lord’s will: “Let it be done unto me according to Thy Word.”