Deacon Pat Bruen sits down with Msgr. Bill Fay this month to talk about his personal discernment journey and how his priestly vocation blossomed through the faith of his family. Deacon Pat is in formation for the Archdiocese of Detroit. Being raised a cradle Catholic, Pat thought about the possibility of the priesthood as a young altar server. He instead went on to work in the secular world and have his own family, raising three children with his wife for 40 years. Faith has always been a grounding force and most especially when caring for his wife at the time she became sick and passed away. Listen to how the experience as caregiver reawakened Pat’s thoughts of priesthood, elevating the role of service in his life. Hear how the image of the Sacred Heart of Jesus pulled him towards thoughts of becoming a priest, about his decision to explore the possibility, and about the support he received in considering taking this path. Deacon Pat also talks about the experience of seminary life, how Boston surprisingly became a second home for him, and what he anticipates in his final year of formation.

Deacon Pat has a technical background and was in the IT field for most of his working life as a salesperson. He also owned his own company processing payroll for small businesses before entering Pope St. John XXIII National Seminary. He hopes to be celebrating his ordination to priesthood in spring 2025 with his children and fifteen grandchildren.