Patrick Cooley
College III
My name is Patrick Cooley and I was born and raised in Papillion, NE. I am the youngest child of three to Steve and Laurie Cooley. My oldest brother is a high school teacher and coach here in Papillion and my middle brother is a basketball coach at South Dakota State University.
My home parish is St. Columbkille in Papillion, and it has been my home for nearly all of my life. We have been blessed at St. Columbkille to have a number of holy priests serve us.
My call to the priesthood became more of a reality during my college years. I have attended The University of Nebraska Omaha for the last three years studying secondary education and more specifically social sciences. I have been a student leader at UNO for the Fellowship of Catholic University Students for the last 2 years and owe much of where I am today, to the wonderful FOCUS missionaries who have served the campus faithfully. Through Bible Studies, discipleship, daily mass and through being in the presence of true men and women of the Catholic Church, the reality of giving everything up for the Lord became more and more of a desire of mine. The reality of the Faith that we have been given has driven me to want to serve God in a very special way. Initially it can be a scary thought to think of becoming a priest, but in giving everything over to God I find that he rewards us greatly.
After about a year or so of discernment on whether or not God may be calling me to the priesthood, I decided I needed to devote all my resources to discerning the priesthood, by entering the seminary. I am entering St. John Vianney Seminary on the campus of St. Thomas University in St. Paul, MN for what will be my first year of Seminary, but I will transfer in as a junior. I am very excited about the great opportunity to grow in many virtues and in character.
I believe that God is tugging many men in the direction of the priesthood, but many are afraid and unsure if it a life which they could live. I am always strengthened by the knowledge that God provides and that if I am open to where he is calling me in my life, that I will live a life of great joy. Just as Jesus called St. Peter to “come” out to the seas and walk with him in the middle of the storm, so too does Jesus Christ call us to take a step of faith from time to time and give all we have to him. If you are considering the priesthood do not be afraid to take that leap of faith. Discern through prayer and good spiritual direction from a priest and if you feel you may be called to the priesthood then talk to the Vocations Director and give seminary a chance.
May you be blessed in your discernment of God’s will in your life and may you never be afraid to live a life totally committed to our Lord Jesus Christ.
