Scott Hastings
Theology IV
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary

 

My name is Scott Hastings. I grew up in Omaha, in St. Wenceslaus Parish, with my five brothers and sisters and my loving parents. I graduated from Cardinal Gibbons High School in Raleigh, NC, in 1999, and from the University of Dallas in 2003 with a BA in Economics. After living in three other states, my family and I once again call Omaha and St. Wenceslaus home.

 

My own call to priesthood began in my early teens, and has at times been alternately strong and weak. As I have grown up, my vision of the priest has changed, always challenging me to continued discernment. Now, as an adult, I see the priesthood as a life of true service, compassion, and prayer, firmly rooted in the Gospel, and consider myself blessed to be called to this vocation.

 

A former seminarian, now priest, once told me that a seminary changes from year to year, because its atmosphere is controlled not by the faculty, but by the men who make up its student body. So, if you are wondering what the seminary is like, just look at seminarians. From what I have seen of the seminarians from Omaha, the seminaries that Omaha sends their men to, must all be places of fraternity and faith, with men devoted, above all, to the Eucharist, and this brings much hope for the coming years.

 

If you yourself are discerning a call to the priesthood, I would tell you to remember two very important things. First, a vocation to the priestly life must be treated properly through prayer, guidance, and focus on the Eucharist. Also, a vocation to the priesthood is a life of service to the community, so get to know your community, with a strong network of friends and family, and active service in your parish.