Matthew Biedrzycki

Class: Pre-Theology II

 

Home Parish: St. Martha Parish, Philadelphia

 

Family Information: I have a younger brother named Kevin who is 18. 

 

What schools did you attend?
I went to grade school at Holy Innocents, and High School at Northeast Catholic.  I went to LaSalle University for one year, and then transferred to Temple University, where I graduated in 2010.

 

When did you enter seminary?
Fall, 2010

 

What/Who Influenced your decision?  I was blessed with the presence of several good priests throughout the course of my life.  As I began to understand the beauty of the Catholic Faith more and sought the guidance of those priestly figures in my life, the pieces began to fall in place.  I decided to enter the seminary and see if this call was for real.

 

Why do you want to be a priest? I want to bring Christ forth to the people in a very real way through the redeeming sacrifice of the Mass and the Sacraments.  In those sacred mysteries we encounter God in a very tangible way that can change our lives in ways we can only begin to imagine. 

 

What did your family and friends think about your decision to enter the seminary?
People were inquisitive at first but as time wore on they began to see that was something important to me.  They have really helped me grow more confident in myself and in the mission God has for me.

 

How often do you pray? Entering seminary I was able to pray at least a half hour each day.  But even giving a few minutes to Christ each day in prayer can do wonders.

 

What do you do for fun? I enjoy reading, studying Italian, and various other topics, I run, play hockey and video games.  I also like spending time with friends and family.

 

What is it like to live in the seminary?
It is different from what I was used to in college, but it is encouraging.  Every day you are encouraged to pray and develop yourself in all aspects so that you may be better prepared to answer Christ’s call.  Of course, you have the chance to hang out with a great group of young men and have a few laughs in the process.

 

What is the best part of the seminary?
Having a chapel where the Blessed Sacrament is reposed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, within a three minute walk from my room.

 

What is the hardest part of the seminary for you? Remembering that saints are not made in a day.  Patiently taking the time to let God work can be difficult sometimes when you think you could do it better. 

 

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the priesthood?
Do not be afraid.  God has a plan for you, otherwise you probably wouldn’t be reading this.  Take heart and give yourself over to him unreservedly.  If you are torn about entering the seminary take hear in the words of Christ as He called the Apostles in the Gospel of Mark (3:13-14), “He went up the mountain and summoned those whom He wanted and they came to Him […] that they might be with Him and He might send them forth […].” Christ called the Apostles to be with Him and learn from Him before ever sending them forth. Give Christ the chance to form you, to teach you and pray with you that you might become the man He has called you to be.