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‘I can’t remember when I didn’t want to be a priest’

Oct. 25, 2017

By Catherine Russell
Diocesan Vocation Coordinator

Nicholas Olley, in his second year of college at the Pontifical College Josephinum, is the son of Duane and OlleyMonica Olley and a parishioner of St. James the Minor Church in Carthage.

The family often prayed together while Nicholas was growing up. As he looks back, he credits these prayer times with planting the seeds of his vocation to priesthood. It doesn’t hurt that he has an uncle who is a priest of the order Fathers of Mercy as well!

As often as he could, he attended Camp Guggenheim where his faith continued to deepen.

Nicholas graduated from Augustinian Academy and Carthage Central School and attended Jefferson Community College prior to entering the seminary.

While in high school, Nicholas was in the chorus and acted in the school musicals. Because of his carpentry skills and ability to work with his hands, Nicholas was relied upon to help with set construction.

Also in high school, Nicholas saw a need for a youth group so he started one with some of his friends. At the same time, he was active in his church as a server at Mass, a member of the Vocation team and Liturgy Committee.

The faith heroes Nicholas most admires are Francis of Assisi, St. John Paul, St. Padre Pio and St. Andrew. When he prays, he likes to use the Rosary, the Divine Mercy Chaplet and he loves the Mass.

Nicholas is a typical north country resident who enjoys country music, hunting and hiking. And he like to eat steak and prime rib!

When asked why he wants to be a priest, Nick replies, “I can’t remember a time I didn’t want to be a priest. I want to say Mass and bring the sacraments to the people.”

He credits his uncle and his pastors Father Cosmic, Father Maroun and Father Robinson with most influencing his decision to enter seminary. Growing up, he was able to spend a lot of time around priests and saw their joy and how happy they were.

His favorite scripture quote is “Be not afraid.” Nick thinks it is a great way to live life in today’s world and who can disagree with that?

As far as advice for a man considering priesthood, Nicholas offers, “Pray. Explore different types of priesthood, diocesan and religious, and find someone to talk to about it.”

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