Home Page Home Page Events Events Photos Photos Diocese of Ogdensburg Home Page  
Follow Us on Facebook


Archives Meet our Seminarians
Michael Hamilton on the path to the priesthood

 

Sept. 27, 2017

By Cathy Russell
Diocesan Vocation Coordinator

Third in a series

Our seminarian this week was born and raised in the north country, graduating from Saranac Central School. Micahel HamiltonMichael Hamilton is the son of Thomas and Michelle Hamilton of Morrisonville and younger brother to Matthew. Tom is the Faith Formation Director at their parish, the Roman Catholic Communities of St. Alexander, St. Joseph and St. James.

During his high school years, Michael was active in music, drama and was the longtime manager of the varsity basketball team. It was during this time that Michael became more active in his parish community, eventually becoming master server, lector, sacristan and cantor.

It was at a diocesan youth rally that Michael found a vocations book that listed many religious congregations.
From sending out numerous inquiries to religious communities, Michael found the Mercedarian Friars in Philadelphia. One of their saints, Raymond Nonnatus, inspired Michael so much he took that name for

Confirmation. This led to his entrance into the community after graduation from high school.

However, after a year with the Mercedarians, Michael discerned that he was not called to the religious life but to diocesan priesthood.

After taking a gap year to work and receive the counsel of several priests, Michael is happily settled as a first year college seminarians at the Pontifical College Josephinum.

“I want to be a priest to be with the people at their most sorrowful and most happy times and to bring them the love of Jesus,” he said.

There were many people who influenced Michael’s decision to enter the seminary.

First, Jesus with that still small voice in my heart,” he said. “But there were many faithful lay people and several priests and religious along the way.”

Michael’s favorite scripture quote is from Psalm 34: “Delight in the Lord always and he will give you the aspirations of your heart.” This passage seems an excellent one for Michael to pray as his first year in seminary progresses.

And as for any advice he might have for a man thinking about seminary? “Take that step forward and don’t look back,” he said. “Leave all the worries in God’s hands.”

North Country Catholic North Country Catholic is
honored by Catholic Press
Association of US & Canada

Copyright © Roman Catholic Diocese of Ogdensburg. All rights reserved.