18 Gulf Pine Catholic • December 19, 2025 For instance, Jacob said he never would have considered doing prison ministry, but this past year, his pastoral assignment was the New Orleans jail. He had to be there one night a week. One of his biggest concerns about being a priest is not saying the right thing at the right time. “People come up all the time and expect a good answer right then,” he explained. “I know I can’t do it without the help of the Holy Spirit. One day, I hope to walk into Heaven and see a big crowd gathered because of something I did to help them get there.” What he has found most surprising is the fraternity among the seminarians. “It’s on a whole different level than what I have with my good friends back home. Here, it’s more of a brotherhood.” In his free time, Jacob enjoys gardening and reading about the lives and histories of the saints, particularly St. Edward the Confessor and Blessed Karl of Austria. “I am also an active genealogist and researcher of local history, and a member of several historical and genealogical societies in South Mississippi.” Ricky, who is in his First Configuration of Formation, agrees that the level of true fraternity is one of the biggest surprises so far. “I was in a college fraternity,” he said. “But that gives you a very warped view of friendship. All of these young men in the seminary want to live a holy life and give their lives to God. They are truly on fire with the Holy Spirit. We pray, serve, and study together every day.” He was also pleasantly surprised to learn that this is one of the oldest classes. “I thought I would be the old man,” he chuckles. “But there are two gentlemen in my class over 50.” His biggest worry going in was his intellectual capability. “I had flaked out of college classes at USM,” Ricky said. “I was scared to death to go back into college.” He said that Father Braxton, the current Vocation Director, was a big help. “We looked at my GPA, and it was bad,” Ricky added. “I always loved to read and learn things, but was never a good student. After completing some online prerequisites, I’m taking a total of 18 hours. It’s a grind, but so far, I’m maintaining at least a B. I am trying to radically surrender to Jesus and remember always that it is not my will, but His will to be done. Whatever path He has for me, I will follow.” The heavy class load and large volume of schoolwork don’t leave much free time. But Ricky enjoys painting miniature figurines, listening to classical music, and reading the Church Fathers. “The Holy Spirit has really transformed me through Scripture, the Saints (especially St. Augustine), and the people in the community. Jesus Christ has been so good to me that no words can ever express his love and Mercy in my life.” Both men implore parishioners across the diocese to pray for them and for more vocations. Jacob added, “And have Masses celebrated for seminarians. That would be a wonderful way to support us with untold numbers of graces come down upon us.” They also express the importance of encouraging more young people. “There might be some young men and women who have a call but aren’t sure,” said Ricky. “They need others to encourage them. Tell them to bring that to prayer. You never know until you take that first step. God has only the best intentions for us. Just trust in God. All else is gravy.” Jacob added, “Knock on the door and see if it opens. That’s what I did. If it opens, then it is God’s will. If not, God has something else for you.” Vocations Inspirations is a series of personal stories to help the people of the Diocese of Biloxi become better acquainted with those studying and serving in our parishes, and to inspire more young people to prayerfully consider a Religious Vocation. Go to biloxivocations.org for resources and information. VocAtIon InsPIrAtIons From page 14 Holy Family Catholic Church, Evangeline Drive and Menge Avenue, Pass Christian, will host Noel -- A Night of Everlasting Love: The Story of the First Christmas on Saturday, December 27, 5:30 p.m. This is an encore performance of The New York City production that won an Emmy award for Public Television’s Best Holiday Program of the Year that would be followed by an album produced by Grammy award winning producer Jeff Jones. This powerful program features some of the most beloved Christmas music, with unique arrangements, along with a most inspirational narrative of the scriptures, telling the story of that very first Christmas in Bethlehem. This program is brought to you through special arrangement with JABEN USA Productions and our Community Program Sponsors. Admission is free for all. The Cathedral-Basilica of Saint Louis King of France Chorus with members of the Louisiana Symphony led by soloist and conductor: Sarah Jane McMahon, featuring guest narrator and tenor: Andrew Joseph Koslosky. Noel -- A Night of Everlasting Love: The Story of the First Christmas
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