Hello All! After a long wait, I have received a response from Archbishop Dolan!! I was so excited when I opened the package and I remembered that I needed to post his response so that those who wanted know whether or not he had written back can see his letter. In short, I have scanned the letter so that all of you may read it if your desire. I am so grateful that he took time out of his very busy schedule to write me and answer my questions. He even sent me two of his most recent publications, Called to Be Holy and Advent Reflections-Come Lord Jesus! Thank you so much Archbishop! You are the best! Happy New Year Everyone!
The above letter says as follows:
Dear John,
Thank you most sincerely for your letter of November 3, 2011. Your thoughtfulness is deeply appreciated.
John, I am so sorry that it took so long to respond to your letter. Yes, I remember you fondly from Saint Matthias Parish. How happy I am to learn that you are a senior at Nathan Hale High School and, more so, that you are contemplating a vocation to the priesthood. If I had any part in this, I thank the Lord for using me as His vessel.
As to your questions, I did experience a number of temptations: Is the priesthood what I really want to do? Is the Lord calling me to serve as a priest? Am I worthy? Wouldn't I rather marry? What kind of priest would I be? However, I entrusted my worries, doubts, fears, and questions to Jesus. I also remained faithful to the Mass, prayer, good friends, and Sacrament of Confession. In the end, it all worked out-as I hope it does for you, too.
Enclosed are two of my publications that I hope you will enjoy.
Be assured that you and your loved ones will have a special remembrance at my Masses and in my prayers, particularly at Midnight Mass in the cathedral.
With prayerful best wishes for a blessed Christmas and a holy, happy, and healthy new year, I am,
Faithfully in Christ,
Most Reverend Timothy M. Dolan
Archbishop of New York
