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Leap of faith

Seminarian completes assignment in Lewistown

Sentinel photo by ERIN THOMPSON
Richard Groff has served as seminarian at Sacred Heart Church, Lewistown for the last eight weeks, where he says he learned different styles of ministry. Groff is studying to become a priest at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmittsburg, Maryland.

LEWISTOWN — Richard Groff felt a calling to the priesthood from a young age, but resisted the urge for many years.

“My cousins and family were extremely supportive. Parishioners from my parish always said ‘we knew you were going to be a priest. We just didn’t know when.”

Now, at age 56, he is finally answering his calling.

For the last eight weeks, Groff, of Columbia, has worked on a summer assignment as seminarian at Sacred Heart Church, Lewistown, where he was placed by Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg Bishop Ronald Gainer.

While in Lewistown, Groff has had the opportunity to gain experience working in a parish setting by observing the pastor, learning different styles of ministry, serving on committees and learning about finances.

“You get a sense of parish life before you are ordained into the priesthood,” he said.

He will soon return to continue his education at Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, Maryland, where he will begin his second year, studying pretheology.

For many years, he said he took on the responsibility of caring for both of his parents, but always had thoughts of joining the priesthood in the back of his mind.

“I kept thinking this call to the priesthood would go away,” he said, noting that he took care of both of his parents, until their passing — his father about 25 years ago, and his mother more recently.

“I thought that calling would diminish after I got through the grieving process (from his mother’s death), but it only got stronger. I spoke with my spiritual director and he discerned that I really need to try this if it is God’s will.”

Groff started the application process last July and received his official acceptance letter on Aug. 15 — his mother’s birthday.

“I knew then that she put her official stamp on this,” she said. “I’m sure she is extremely proud, looking down from Heaven.”

“It was a leap of faith, but I am so glad I followed through. I’ve had such a wonderful year. I’m such at peace,” he said.

A lifelong member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church, in Columbia, where he hopes to eventually have his first Mass, Groff has worked as a director of youth ministry in Columbia, and as a director of education as a campus minster at Franklin & Marshall College in Lancaster.

He also taught eighth grade Religion at York Catholic High School, where he served as a director of spiritual life.

He holds a Master’s Degree in General Psychology and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology.

If the circumstances were right, Groff said he would have loved to begin the process of becoming a priest earlier in life, “but the timing wasn’t right. My spiritual director told me God’s timing isn’t our timing. He said God planted that seed of vocation in you early on, but it wasn’t the time for you to respond. Now is the time that I need to respond.”

Groff recommends those interested in joining the priesthood spend time in prayer before making the leap.

“Get away from the distractions of everyday life. Our devices, our phones, our computers –get away from all that so you have time to really listen. If you have a sense that God is calling you, talk to a priest about it because if you’re entertaining that thought, God is involved.

Groff is grateful to have been placed at Mount St. Mary’s to continue his education. “It’s a very spiritual place to reflect and prepare to study for the priesthood and the team there is wonderful.”

Groff said he has appreciated the warm welcome the Lewistown community has provided.

“Everyone here has been so kind and welcoming, not only in the Parish, but in the community,” he said. “I’ve felt so welcomed since the day I arrived here and I appreciate that support.”

Groff is the son of the late Mary and Richard Groff.

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