By Nicole Coleman
The Journal-Register
January 17, 2008
http://www.journal-register.com/local/local_story_017212608.html
ALBION — Kevin Sheehan II is a shy, quiet 19-year-old who just happens to dream of becoming a Roman Catholic priest.
Strange as it may seem for a young, handsome man with the world at his fingertips, it is a decision that has been tugging at his heart for a long time now, he said.
The youngest son of Albion Village Trustee Kevin Sheehan, he is a lifelong member of St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church in Albion. There, his faith grew as an altar server, an active youth group member and a vocalist in the folk group at Sunday Mass. When he talks about attending church, his eyes light up.
While the Diocese of Buffalo has been forced to consolidate area parishes due to declining attendance and lack of candidates interested in the priesthood, Sheehan will be among the minority over the next nine years as he trains to be ordained.
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| FUTURE PRIEST: Albion High School graduate Kevin Sheehan II plans to attend the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio to become a Roman Catholic priest. Here, he stands outside his family home on Clinton Street in the Village of Albion where he grew up. Photo by Nicole Coleman |
Though they were surprised at first, his three older brothers, Jason, 26; Brian, 25; and Justin, 23, have been supportive and respectful of his choice, Sheehan said.
"I'm extremely proud of the decision he's made. That's a huge step to make," Justin said. "I never saw it coming from a family member. There was a part of me that thought it was just a phase."
Sheehan graduated from Albion High School last spring and is currently taking general education classes at Genesee Community College. After he earns his associate's degree, he plans to attend the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.
To learn more about Sheehan, The Journal-Register sat down with him at his Clinton Street home Wednesday:
Q: Making the decision to become a priest — especially at your age — must have required some serious reflection. When did you first know that is what you wanted?
A: I was at a high school youth conference at the Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio a couple years ago when I was in 11th grade. I was praying and I decided I was going to tell people about it. I had been kind of feeling the call for a couple years before that. ... It was something I just couldn't get away from. I was having dreams that I was going to be a priest. I just decided, let's see where it goes.
Q: Why is it important to you to become ordained as a Roman Catholic priest?
A: I feel that's what God is calling me to do. ... I'm proud that I've been chosen by God to be a priest. I'm helping the church out.
I want to be there for the people when they need me, kind of like Father Richard (Csizmar). ... I want to try to spread my faith.
I want to do what I can for God. There's no way I can repay him. Giving my life up for him is one way I can try.
Q: The Rev. Richard Csizmar has been your priest at St. Joseph's in Albion since you were very young. What did he think about your decision?
A: The first time I told him, I was leaving church. I could tell he was proud of me. ... I know I can turn to him if I have any questions. That's helped me a lot.
Q: What did your friends say? Were your parents surprised?
A: I have a good group of friends who are into the faith. ... All of them are proud of me — even the ones who joke around about their faith. They watch what they say around me now.
It was kind of something I sprung on (my parents). They were proud of me. ... My family is helping a lot.
Q: Did you ever consider doing anything else with your life?
A: I wanted to become a veterinarian for awhile.
Q: There are priests who have had negative media attention within the past few years for being accused of sexually abusing or molesting children. In some ways, it has put a stigma on all priests. As someone who is pursuing the profession, what are your thoughts about that?
In a world where the normal pecking order for adults is to become married and start a family, will it be difficult for you to give that up?
A: It doesn't concern me. People should know not all priests are like that. There are a lot more out there who haven't done anything wrong.
I don't think marriage is for me.
Q: Many youth often go through a stage when they begin to question the faith they were raised with. Have you ever had doubts or wanted to explore other religions?
A: I feel that everyone has a religion that's for them. This is the one for me.
I love going to Mass; I pray along with the priest. I just like spending time with God.
Contact reporter Nicole Colemanat 798-1400, ext. 2227.
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