2020 DIOCESAN MINISTRIES APPEAL

Francis’ Story

Throughout his high school years at DePaul Catholic High School in Wayne, Francis Lennie felt the call to the priesthood. By the example of many good priests, he found inspiration in which they showed him what it means to be a man of prayer. After receiving the Sacrament of Confirmation, he was led to develop more of a prayerful life.
 
In the fall, Lennie, whose home parish is St. Pius X in Montville, will enter his fourth year of theology studies at the Immaculate Conception Seminary at Seton Hall University in South Orange. He said, “I feel that the Lord is calling me to use my gifts and talents to serve his people as a priest and spread his love to a world that needs it.”
 
The experience of being a seminarian has been rewarding for Lennie, who is expected to be ordained to the priesthood in 2021. He said, “The most rewarding part of my seminary experience has been growing in my leadership skills and growing in my knowledge of God and his Church.”
 
He also gained a lot of pastoral experience while serving at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Paterson. “This was a real growing experience as you can imagine working in one of the country’s busiest emergency rooms. It can be filled with many challenges and difficulties. I felt God with me always and grew to become comfortable with my own uncomfortableness. The seminary has made me grow as a man and that is very rewarding,” said Lennie.
 
Some of his favorite classes at seminary are the ones that would connect him with real-life experiences in a parish. Examples would include - Apologetics, Evangelization, and Preaching courses. He added, “Another class that many may be surprised that I have taken while in seminary is Sign Language. I was inspired to take ASL because deaf and hard of hearing Catholics often do not have the same experiences of the sacraments as hearing Catholics do. I took a few courses to help bridge the gap and allow for Christ to reach all of his people.”
 
To other young men who may be considering the priesthood, he said, “Just be open. To be open means most often listening. The Lord puts people in our lives who will say things to us that will often make us consider the call. Also do not be afraid of your past, if the Lord is calling you, he is doing so knowing your past and your future. He is calling you for a reason. We are more often less forgiving than our merciful Father.”
 
In thanking those who support the Diocesan Ministries Appeal (formerly known as the Bishop’s Annual Appeal), Lennie said, “During these difficult times, I would like to thank you even more for your support of seminarian education through the Diocesan Ministries Appeal. I know I speak for all my brother seminarians when I say ‘thank you’ and we cannot wait to serve you and work with you. Through your support you allow us to learn and be formed to be good, holy priests so we can better serve you and God’s Church. I also want you to know of my prayers and ask you to pray for me and all my brothers.”