Archbishop's web site Denver Catholic Register Parishes Catholic Pastoral Center
February 28, 2001
Community helped in hearing God's call
Name: Mark Kovacik
Age: 33
Place of Birth: Denver, Colo.
Parish: Sacred Heart, Denver
What or who inspired you to pursue a vocation to the priesthood?
After two years as a volunteer teacher in Chuuk, Micronesia, I spent five months traveling in southeast Asia trying to decide what to do with my life upon returning to the U.S. Once here I began to see more clearly that God had always been acting in my life and had a plan for me. In particular my catechists and community in the Neocatechumenal Way helped me to listen to God's call. Talking with other seminarians and priests also encouraged me to enter into the seminary.
How do you see your future as a priest in a Christian community?
I believe that the Christian community is the spouse of the priest. Just as God brings together a man and wife to donate their lives to each other and raise new life, God will put me with a specific community. As it should be within any marriage, the main focus will be on God. There will also be the cross, which will be the path to eternal life.
What are your impressions of seminary life so far?
I am thankful to God for this opportunity to pray, to study, and to live in this environment. The formation that I am receiving is helping me to know better both myself and God's love.
