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Diocesan Priesthood Testimonies Nicholas Pearce
Nicholas Pearce
Interview with Nick Pearce when he was a third year seminarian
Q. Who or what influenced you to study for the priesthood?
It was at World Youth Day in Rome in 2000 that I first heard the call, but I was in Year 11 at Aquinas College at the time and not ready to make a decision. After finishing Year 12 and working for a year at Aquinas doing a traineeship, I started in 2003 at ACU doing a degree in Youth Work.
At the time I was living in a St Vincent de Paul young adult community where we had daily Mass and the opportunity to do lots of voluntary work in the soup van and kids activities. Fr Anthony Denton was my spiritual advisor, and knowing of my dissatisfaction with my studies, he suggested I contact Fr Paul Stuart who was then the Director of Vocations.
The consistent example of good priests such as Fr Denton, Fr Stuart and my parish priest, Fr Greg Pritchard, led me to know what it is to be a priest. I was still waiting for a ‘lightening bolt’ to make up my mind for me, but that was never going to happen. I realised I had to trust Christ, and having decided to give it a go, I haven’t looked back.
Q. Tell me about a typical day at the seminary.
Our day begins and ends with prayer: 6.45 am Morning Prayer in the Chapel, followed by private meditation and then Mass. Breakfast is at 8.15 am. We have classes at Catholic Theological College from 10 am to 1 pm and lunch from 1.00 til 2.00. The afternoons can include any of a range of activities, such as pastoral work, sport, human formation sessions or singing practice. At 5.45 pm we pray the Rosary and at 6 o’clock say Evening Prayer. Dinner is at 6.30, then 7.30 til 9 pm is for private study. Adoration for half an hour from 9 pm, and the day finishes with the Night Prayer of the Church at 9.30.
Q. Do you see much of your family and friends outside the seminary?
We have Saturdays off when we are free to do as we like. This is when we catch up with family and friends. We can also invite guests to lunch at the seminary on Sundays.
Q. What was the reaction of those closest to you when you entered the seminary?
Initially they were surprised, but they have been supportive. Generally people have said: “We wouldn’t choose it for ourselves, but can see how it is making you happy and we are happy for you.”
Q. What are you most looking forward to about being a priest?
Celebrating the Sacraments! I was helping people before, but as a priest I will be able to help them in a special way, through the sacramental life of the Church. I look forward to being involved with families during the highs and lows of their lives, and with young people. I want to help young people to discover Christ through my public witness, in the way good priests helped me.
Q. What scares you about becoming a priest?
Every day I ask myself whether I am worthy to answer this call, but I know it is not worthiness, but the grace of God that will get me through if I rely on Him, orient my life towards Him, and allow Him to work through me.
Q. What would you say to other young men who may be wondering if they have a vocation to the priesthood?
Like Jesus said to Peter when He invited him to step out of the boat and walk across the water, “Have courage.” (Matt 14:27-28) Be willing to step out of the boat and trust. You don’t have to be 100% certain to enter the seminary, but if you stay in the boat because you are too afraid, you may find yourself there for the rest of your life. Pray, go to Mass and seek the advice of good and holy priests.
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