John Peyton

Year 3

Pontifical Beda College, Rome

 

It is difficult for me to say exactly when my vocation story began. I do remember being very inspired by two young missioners who came to my home parish- Sacred Heart and Holy Souls, Acocks Green- when I was 18. I did think seriously about the priesthood then- I was studying chemistry at university at that time. However, I found it difficult to make the move. The priesthood went on the back burner, but it never went completely away.

I worked in the chemical industry for 13-14 years as a research chemist. During this time, when I wasn’t down at Villa Park, I was actively involved with the Church as a layperson, particularly through the Legion of Mary- something which, I feel, has helped me enormously.

After my mother died in 2001, I began to consider more deeply whether God was calling me to serve him as a priest. I thought and prayed about it for a full year after my mother’s death. During this period, I really wrestled with the idea- at one point nearly feeling convinced that the priesthood wasn’t for me.

However, I eventually saw that the idea wasn’t going to go away. I think the turning point was that I came to realise that I was trying to make this important decision by myself. I needed to turn to the Church to help me discern God’s Will for my life. I will never forget the feeling of peace that came to me when I decided to go to see my parish priest. I knew then that it was all in God’s hands.

My vocation journey has literally involved much travelling. I completed the pre-seminary year at Valladolid and am now in the third year of studies at the Beda College, Rome. I am due to be ordained deacon, please God, in June.

But a journey of another type has been taking place within me during my time in the two different seminaries where I have studied. Formation for the priesthood has helped me appreciate God’s immense love for us all, and the wonders that he works every day. I have come to know and accept myself better as a person. I feel being in seminary is helping me overcome my shyness, realising that I still have a long way to go.

There can be trials, living in a community with people that you have not personally chosen to live with. However, I have also been able to form cherished and hopefully lasting friendships. There is no doubt that contact with fellow seminarians and the formation team- provided it is accompanied by prayer and reflection- truly helps one to develop into a mature Christian.

I would say to anyone contemplating priesthood- do not be afraid! Wherever the journey leads us, we will not be going away from the Lord.

John

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