Name: Stephen C. McCarthy Class: II Theology

Parish: Saint Joseph the Worker, Fallsington

What year did you enter the seminary?
2004

What did you do prior to seminary entrance?
I attended Pennsbury High School, then studied education at Penn State for two years.

What influenced your decision to enter the seminary?
My pastor, family and the parish community have had an enormous impact on my decision, especially my twin brother, Dan, who was in the seminary from 2002-2007.

Why do you want to be a priest?
I want to be a priest to serve the people of God by ministering to them in their times of need, especially through the sacraments, and, in doing so, to serve and love God in the way which I feel He has called me.

What did your family and friends think about your decision to enter the seminary?
Most of them were very supportive. Some didn’t understand at first, but most were very happy and proud. Now they all support me and their fears were put at bay by my happiness and joy at where I am in life.

What do you do for fun?
I like to go out with my friends and brother seminarians and to spend time with my family and my parish community.

Who is your favorite Saint?
Saint Torcisius, the boy martyred in pagan Rome for carrying the Eucharist to Christians in prison for celebrating the faith.

What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?
I would reiterate the words made famous by our beloved late Pope John Paul II, to “be not afraid,” but rather “come, follow me”.