By Ryan Grant
Staff writer

Wynnewood, Penn.  - For Paul Poulin, a native of Newcomb, entering college life for the first time at the age of 28 may have seemed like a daunting challenge. But, with trust in God and faith that sufficient grace would be provided to him, Poulin is about to complete his first year at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Poulin and his nine brothers and sisters where home schooled for all 13 years of their education. They were anchored in their faith by attending daily Mass at their home parish of St. Therese in the central Adirondack community of Newcomb. “There was never a dull moment in our home,”Poulin said. “We made our parents saints.” Being involved in the life of the parish was important to the Poulin family. 

After finishing school at the age of 17, Poulin held a variety of jobs ranging from work at an excavating company, to operating heavy equipment for Finch Paper Company, to his most recent work for New York State Electric and Gas.

In 2011, with a vast amount of work experience behind him, Poulin set out for perhaps his greatest challenge yet.  His first year as a seminarian for the diocese of Ogdensburg not only meant his first year in seminary, but his first year in college as well. “Entering college for the first time at the age of 28 was a little daunting,” he said, “but everyone at the seminary was willing to assist me in any way to ensure that I met the academic requirements. My classmates and the faculty members have been a huge support, which has greatly boosted my confidence.”

The intellectual portion of seminary life is just one of the four pillars of formation developed by Pope John Paul II in his Apostolic Exhortation, Pastores Dabo Vobis (I Will Give You Shepherds). The other pillars are human, spiritual, and pastoral formation. “I feared that I wouldn't have the ability to meet the requirements in the four areas of formation,” Poulin said, “but I quickly learned that a willingness to do my best is the only thing that is needed.” 

Poulin found the strong sense of community and friendships that he has formed at St. Charles to be a  tremendous blessing in his journey to discern God’s plan for his life.  “Seminary life has been a great experience,” Poulin affirms. “I was surprised to find that the other seminarians were normal guys just like me who have many common interests and hobbies, and are all in the same boat, trying to figure out God’s will for our lives.”

He says that some of the best friendships are formed during seminary life because of the shared goals and the help given to one another in order to live wholesome, Christian lives.

When asked to give advice to those who may be considering a vocation, Poulin was quick to provide some suggestions. “Don’t be afraid to make a sacrifice in order to enter the seminary or at least talk to the vocations director for the diocese,” he said. “because God is never outdone in generosity.” “Entering the seminary doesn’t mean you are going to become a priest, instead it really is where the discernment begins,” Poulin said. “Spend an hour everyday with Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament and His love will fill you with unspeakable joy, transform your life, and answer all the questions you may have about your future.” 

Poulin suggests, “daily Mass, rosary, and frequent confession (I’m talking at least monthly) are all indispensable tools in discernment.”  “This may seem like its all too much, but start slowly as if you were training for a marathon, and before you know it you will be in awesome spiritual shape,” he said.

Poulin says that one of his most influential encounters, was with Father Benedict Groeschel, CFR, well known from his regular appearances on EWTN. “I asked him how I could know that I am called to the priesthood,” Poulin said. “I’ll never forget his answer which was that ‘you don’t, but you must push on.’”  Poulin said that if he hadn’t accepted that challenge of Father Groeschel and made the courageous step to enter seminary, he would have never known the joy filled life of a seminarian. 

With trust in God and the support of friends, family, and the priests of the diocese of Ogdensburg, Paul Poulin presses on in his discernment of the priesthood of Jesus Christ. “The scenic north country, with its many rural communities, is my home and the people here are my family” Poulin said. “I can’t think of a more beautiful place in which to bring Jesus to others and others to Jesus.”

Paul Poulin who is completing his first year at St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Wynnewood, Penn., is shown in his home parish of St. Therese in Newcomb with his pastor Father Peter Berg.