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First assignment: St. Turibius “I remember my parents taking me to a charismatic prayer group when I was 3 years old,” he said. “I played in a church music group and was part of a retreat team for teens but the idea of becoming a priest never really crossed my mind.” Stein began college at the University of Illinois, Champaign/Urbana to study computer engineering. Then something happened during his sophomore year that would change the course of his life forever. “While lying down one day, I saw the image of myself as a priest in a Roman collar,” said Stein. “I dismissed the idea but it didn’t go away.” After about a month, he told his parents, who were involved in charismatic renewal. They suggested he do some discernment and make sure that he was listening carefully to what God was telling him. Stein then began an eight-month renewal. “I fought the idea of becoming a priest for eight months,” Stein said. “Then I realized it was not me but God calling me. God had a plan for me. That realization kind of blew me away.” While he is glad to have completed his computer engineering degree, Stein does not see himself using it to any great extent. “You can always find other people to do computer work,” he said. “But you just can’t go out and get more priests.” Stein says his vocation is a sheer gift. “I want to be a good priest,” he adds. “God has a very specific plan for me. How it will look I don’t know. I just want to be there for people when they need me.” Stein believes the church should take an active role in generating more vocations. He thinks it’s important for priests to be present, particularly in Catholic schools, and invite young people to think about what God might want. “The problem today is that many people can’t imagine themselves becoming a priest or entering the religious life, “ he said. “We must inflame their religious imagination.” Other ordinations: Front Page | Digest | Cardinal | Interview |
