Msgr. Bill Fay sits down with John Williams, a third-year theologian in formation for the Diocese of Springfield in Massachusetts. John hails from a large family, having grown up just outside the Washington D.C. area in Fairfax County, VA. Growing up, John first experienced a life of service through his family. He carried that lesson with him throughout many experiences in his life. “The cause greater than self” was an underlying foundation for all that John accomplished. While in college John decided to join the United States Marines to hone a discipline and focus that he was not experiencing in college life. He then entered the field of education and teaching where he spent ten years, working with teenagers and navigating the complexities of education during the COVID pandemic. During that period, the slow-down of life, John was influenced by an op-ed written by Pope Francis to dream big and rethink priorities. John buckled down on his prayer life and spiritual direction and things began falling into place. He soon applied for formation studies at Pope St. John XXIII. At the Seminary, his gifts and talents align, and John knows this particular path of service is making him (and will continue to make him) happiest. Tune in to hear John’s advice for discerners looking to follow God’s Call: what steps can lead a man toward a confident yes, and a life of service and happiness?

John Williams worked for a decade in Jesuit high school education. He is also a veteran of the United States Marine Corps and Operation Iraqi Freedom. John holds an M.A. in Philosophical Studies from Mount St. Mary’s University and a B.A. in Social Sciences from Chapman University. He is scheduled to be ordained a priest in 2025.