"Every vocation, whether to marriage, to virginity, or to the priesthood, is a gift that comes from God. It is He who chooses us and not we who choose Him. To respond to His call is a challenge, but also a great joy." - St. John Paul II

John Paul II Catholic School was blessed to welcome back Colin Doering, Class of 2020, who is now in seminary discerning his call to the priesthood. Colin’s journey is one of faith, perseverance, and trust in God’s plan, and his story serves as an inspiration to our students—many of whom are navigating their own questions about the future.

Colin shared how his personal struggles, including the loss of his father at a young age, initially led him to anger and doubt. However, through the power of prayer, Eucharistic Adoration, and encountering God’s love, he experienced a transformation that led him to embrace his faith fully and ultimately hear the call to the priesthood. His testimony is a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, God is always present, guiding us toward His perfect will.

"Hearing Colin’s story is especially impactful for our students, as he once walked the same halls, wore the same uniform, and faced similar questions about life’s direction," noted JPII Campus Minister Joseph Rivera. "His example encourages all of us to listen for God’s voice, whether in the call to priesthood, religious life, marriage, or another path of service. May we all have the courage to trust in God’s plan as Colin has, and may we continue to pray for vocations in our Church."

Here is Colin's Vocation Story:

I was raised a cradle Catholic in South Carolina and grew up living with my mom, dad, and older sister, Erin. I attended Catholic school all my life and always went to Mass on Sundays with my family, but that was the extent of my faith formation during my childhood. Life at home was never easy for me, as my parents separated when I was six years old. Two years later, my father passed away unexpectedly. After these events, I felt angry with God and believed that He had abandoned me. My life then took a turn for the worse. I had no filter in my conversations, my behavior in school deteriorated, my grades started to plummet, and I would even curse at my sister and mother at home.

A few years passed before I was introduced to Eucharistic Adoration and had the opportunity to experience it. During that time, I gave everything to God—my frustrations, my questions, and all the pain I had been holding inside. I remember crying out to Him:

"Why did You let all of these horrible things happen to me so early in my childhood? Why did You take my dad, my best friend, away from me?"

And in the silence of my heart, the Lord responded:

"Colin, even though your earthly father is no longer with you, I, your Heavenly Father, will always be with you."

At that moment, I wept, because for the first time in my life, I truly experienced the love of God.

When I went home, I began a new and intentional life with and for Christ. I started to pray and receive the sacraments more frequently for the first time. I became more involved in my church community, participating and serving in my youth ministry. Once I entered high school, I became an active member of campus ministry as well.

At the beginning of high school, I had another powerful experience during Eucharistic Adoration. I started asking God deeper questions about my identity, purpose, and future vocation. While I was in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, Jesus quietly asked me to consider the priesthood. This response made me reflect deeply.

Growing up, I had witnessed the example of good and holy priests in my parish and in retreat settings. They became father figures in my life—there for me during my struggles, my sufferings, and my joys. Then I realized that the desire Jesus had placed in my heart was to be a father to the fatherless, because I had come to understand how much the world needs authentic fatherhood.

This calling led me to begin my discernment process. It wasn’t always easy—I faced doubts constantly—but Jesus continued to knock at the door of my heart. In those moments, all I could do was respond generously, trusting in Him.

By my senior year, I knew He was calling me to the priesthood. I began the application process for my diocese, met with my vocation director, and was accepted as a seminarian for the Diocese of Charleston.

My encouragement for you is this: Whenever you face adversity, rely on God and His will, because His will is perfect. He will never abandon you, because our Heavenly Father is always with you and for you.