By Scott Belina
Seminarian, St. Charles Borromeo Seminary

My vocational journey, thus far, has been a journey that I could not have planned in a million years. I was recently in North Carolina for the Diaconate Ordination of three of my classmates from the Diocese of Raleigh. As another one of my classmates and I were driving to hear one of our newly ordained classmates preach for the first time, one of the things we talked about was just this: our vocational journey. I said to my classmate, "When I decided to enter the seminary, I could never have predicted the places God has taken me since then."  It is nothing short of amazing to think of all of the places I have gone and remember all of the wonderful people I have met, and continue to meet.

God is truly one who keeps His promises  - and who likes to surprise us.

I come from a family of six: two older brothers, Daniel and Alex, a younger sister, Stefani, and my parents, Randy and Patricia Belina. My family and I have lived in the North Country for most of my life. I was born in Germany, and we moved around a bit before coming to Fort Drum. It was then that we became members of St. Anthony's Parish in Watertown, and have been ever since. I also started attending Catholic school at that time, entering the second grade at St. Anthony's Elementary school. After St. Anthony's, I went to Immaculate Heart Central High School, and graduated in 2003. From there, I spent a couple of semesters at SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Jefferson, respectively, and finally entered Clarkson University in the fall of 2004.

In the spring of 2007, I graduated from Clarkson with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomolecular Science.
Some of my work experience includes working in the kitchen at the Motherhouse for the Sisters of Saint Joseph, and during the summer before I went to Clarkson, I worked for Verizon as a Field Technician. I also spent one summer at Georgia Tech in Atlanta, as part of an undergraduate research experience, and other summers working on campus in a biochemistry lab at Clarkson.

My most memorable and perhaps most valued work experiences, however, are the four summers I spent on staff at Camp Guggenheim. The idea of becoming a priest first entered my mind at the beginning of college. I considered it for a time, and then decided to proceed in my education. I did spend time thinking and wondering about it, but my goal was to graduate from college. Admittedly, I attempted to push the idea out of my mind, but that was to no avail, as it always managed to make it back onto the 'radar.'

As I progressed through college, especially at Clarkson, the prospect of entering seminary became more prominent in my life, especially when I went to Mass and prayed. During my junior year at Clarkson, I told the pastor of the local parish that I thought God might be calling me to the priesthood. From that point, my discernment became much deeper. I considered over the next year and a half my various career options of research or further studies, but came to the decision that I needed to enter the seminary. I knew that I needed to give myself over to God in this radical way in order to see if this was His will for me. The desire to know God's will for me was stronger than the desire for a successful career. It was not an easy decision, nor do I think that it should have been. Other things that my life at that point had offered me did not bring with them the peace that the thought of entering the seminary did.

That was a little over five years ago. When I look back on all that has happened since, it seems like it's been twice that long. At the beginning, I had no idea what God had in mind, but it has been quite an awesome journey, and one that I'm looking forward to continuing in a unique and much fuller way as a Transitional Deacon, and God willing, as a Priest.

Many priests that I have known in my life have influenced me in my decision to enter the seminary and to respond in this way to God's call. I think they know who they are, too. It was simply their love for God, their example of holiness and fidelity, and their gentle guidance that inspired and encouraged me to respond to God's voice. Other times they were good at talking some sense into me!

As for ordained ministry - I can't wait to preach! My friends will say I've been doing this for years, but I truly look forward to preaching. This goes without saying, but I also very much look forward celebrating the Sacraments.

Lastly, approaching ordination to the Diaconate does bring with it some nervousness and some wondering about what it will be like, and the question of whether or not I can do this. I am keenly aware of my own weak humanity in the midst of this joyous time of anticipation. At the same time, I am aware of the reality of God's love for me, and His fidelity. God will use my weak humanity to accomplish His work. I must rely on faith in Him and His love for me and for His Church.

If anyone thinks that they might have a vocation to priesthood or the religious life, my advice is simple: Do not be afraid! These are four very simple words spoken often by Blessed John Paul II. The important thing to remember is that God loves you! He is madly in love with you, and desires your happiness more than you!
Pray. Speak with God often and tell Him everything.Finally, listen to God. He speaks to us, too. By listening, we become better able to hear His voice. Praying is just like getting to know a friend through conversation—it takes some getting used to. But this Friend is like no other. As I said before, He is a God who keeps His promises.
And when you least expect it, I guarantee you, He will surprise you!

My ordination to the Transitional Diaconate will be Friday, May 25 at St. Patrick'sChurch in Watertown at 5 p.m. Please pray for me as my ordination approaches, that I will be ready to respond to God's grace in Holy Orders, and remain faithful to Him and His Church throughout my life. Thank you in advance for all of your prayers, and please know that I will pray for all of you too!

Scott Belina is shown at right with his friend Deacon Tom Higman at World Youth Day this past summer when Pope Benedict arrived in Madrid. In this article, Belina reflects on the growth of his vocation. He is scheduled to be ordained a deacon May 25 at St. Patrick’s Parish in Watertown. Deacon Higman will be ordained a priest May 26 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ogdensburg.