Name: Caleb Scherzinger
What are your parents’ names? Chuck and Karen Scherzinger
Current Parish: St. Isidore the Farmer Parish
What kinds of ministries were you involved in at your parish? What kinds of Diocesan retreats/events have you attended that have been helpful?
In my parish I was a server and an active member of my parish's youth group. Some Diocesan retreats/events that I found helpful were Teens Encounter Christ and the Newman Center at the University of Southern Indiana.
When did you start thinking of priesthood? What made you think of it?
I started seriously thinking of the priesthood after making a retreat called Teens Encounter Christ. I think this retreat helped God speak to me because of the retreat’s intense emphasis on the Sacraments and Community. I feel that through the community and support, I grew more open to the vocation of the priesthood.
What aspect of priestly ministry is most attractive to you? Why?
The aspect I look forward to the most in the priesthood is spiritually nourishing the people I will be in contact with; more specifically the sacrament of the Eucharist and Reconciliation.
What gives you hope for the Catholic Church today?
What gives me hope today is seeing how intensely some of our young people (ages 18-35) live their faith. I especially see this through the practice of adoration. I feel that many young people are seeking silence and contemplation in their busy lives, and they find this in the practice of adoration.
What Scripture passage hits home with you the most these days? Why?
Acts 4: 13-14 "When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing there with them, there was nothing they could say."
This passage spoke to me because of how Peter and John were seen as common men who could not do extraordinary things. As we can see, that is not true; they could do extraordinary things. This passage is also true for us. As ordinary men and women, we can do extraordinary things, but we must do them through Christ. We must turn to Christ, and through Christ, we can change people's lives.
What things do you find life-giving? (Reading? If so, what have you read? Movies? If so, what movies have you enjoyed? Music? If so, what music moves you? Hiking, exercising? Explain why.)
I find hunting and fishing life-giving. I feel that through the pursuit of wild game that I grow in greater appreciation for God's creation. Through hunting and fishing I have also become more aware of the importance of conservation and being good stewards of our natural resources in southern Indiana.
What is the hardest part of going to seminary? What are you most excited about this year for seminary?
One of the hardest parts of seminary for me is going to be willing to say that I cannot change for the better on my own, but that I have to humble myself and let the Holy Spirit guide me to where I need to go. One of the most exciting things that I am looking forward to is the community of men who will challenge me to be stronger and more devout Catholic.