Mr. Justin Blanc
I am 23 years old and a native of St. James the Greater parish in Charles Town, WV. I am a graduate of Shepherd University where I studied History with a minor in Spanish. I have spent the past year working at a number of jobs, while discerning my vocation to the priesthood has been my underlying occupation. My 'day jobs' since graduating from Shepherd have included working at an insurance office, freelance memoir writing, substitute teaching, landscaping, and doing household odd-jobs. In free time I enjoy reading, travel, conversation, and a variety of sports: from marathons to martial arts, tennis to soccer, and most things in between.I first recognized a tug in the direction of the priesthood in high school when, occasionally, different people would tell me they thought I'd make a good priest. At the time I didn't allow myself to directly entertain the possibility, but a foundation for discernment was laid that I would later build upon in my college years. As I thought about careers and life paths, many doors seemed open, however I couldn't shake the strengthening feeling that I was being called to the priesthood and that any other path would leave me incomplete. The more time I spent in prayer and opening myself to the possibility of the priesthood, the more it 'clicked' that maybe this unusual path was the one I was being called to explore. Enough cannot be said about the powerful influence a great priest can have on vocations; I probably wouldn't have come to the point of serious discernment if not for the example of those priests who are traveling this path and proving its value, constantly reminding me of the presence of Christ among us.
As a product of public schools, my education in the faith has come largely through the example of my pastor, Fr. Brian Owens, my parents, parish community, and much independent reading. Through this elementary formation, it has become evident to me that our Catholic faith is Truth, that following Christ is the way to fulfill, not restrict our humanity. With that in mind, my excitement is growing as I continue my first year of seminary. I began my pre-theology studies in August at Theological College in Washington, DC, and this has been a spiritually and intellectually challenging experience.
I have just begun the second semester of my philosophy studies at the Catholic University of America while living at Theological College in Washington, DC. The transition to seminary life has overall been smooth and encouraging. I sometimes step back and reflect upon how fortunate I am to be in a state of life in which my job is to discern God's call while getting a great education in the faith. However, I found out quickly that this discernment and education are challenging and certainly require work. But there is something sweet about the challenges of seminary, as they are all opportunities to grow in my understanding of God and my role in this life he has given us. The past few months have provided many opportunities for me to get better acquainted with the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston and with the formation process of the Church in general. One of the most encouraging aspects of my experience as a seminarian is getting to know many more priests, seminarians, and other faithful Catholics who are on fire with the faith. I look forward to continuing along this path and growing into a more complete Christian and, God willing, a priest.