[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Diocese of Phoenix will welcome three new priests into its fold with an ordination Mass June 28. The Catholic Sun asked the ordinands about their vocations and journey toward priesthood.
Deacon Kevin Grimditch
Age: 26
Parish he grew up in: Corpus Christi, Phoenix
First assignment as a priest: parochial vicar, St. Joan of Arc Parish; chaplain of Xavier College Preparatory.
How did you realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?
I really found my vocation in the eucharistic adoration chapel at my parish. Confronted with Christ’s sacrifice there in the Eucharist, the call to imitate Him in that self-gift led me to ask the question about the priesthood.
Why are you becoming a priest?
I’m becoming a priest because I see God is calling me to it and following His will for my life will the best way to become more like Him, to love like Him. There is great peace and joy in embracing His Providence.
Who encouraged you in your journey toward priesthood?
I have received so much support and encouragement during my time in seminary from almost every direction and so many parishes throughout Phoenix. In particular, my family has been wonderfully supportive and the priests of Phoenix have encouraged in both their examples and words. What are you looking forward to most about becoming a priest? I’m most excited about simply being in a community and present to encourage and help people in following the Lord and growing in His love. It comes down to that desire to be a father in a parish family with the joys and sorrows that come with it.
Favorite pastimes:
Reading fiction, playing cards, golfing.
Deacon Keith Kenney
Age: 39
Parish he grew up in: St. Jerome, Phoenix
First assignment as a priest: parochial vicar, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Glendale; chaplain, St. Mary’s High School.
How did you realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?
A priest during his homily invited communicants to make an offering of themselves to Jesus for whatever He wanted us to do with our lives. After communion my prayer came out: ‘If you really want me to be a priest, OK, I’ll do it.’ The peace I experienced after that small offering confirmed for me that God accepted it.
Why are you becoming a priest?
The simple answer is because it is the reason for which God made me.
Who encouraged you in your journey toward priesthood?
Family, friends and parish priests.
What are you looking forward to most about becoming a priest?
Offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass and reconciling people with God and His Church.
Favorite pastimes: Reading, chess
Deacon Scott Sperry
Age: 28
Parish he grew up in: Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Tempe
First assignment as a priest: parochial vicar, Christ the King Parish.
How did you realize you had a vocation to the priesthood?
I like being Catholic. I knew my vocation would be to serve Him.
Why are you becoming a priest?
God called me to become a priest.
Who encouraged you in your journey toward priesthood?
A good campus minister in high school, Tricia Engel, and Chris Muglia from my parish.
What are you looking forward to most about becoming a priest?
Hearing confessions because it’s something particular to a priest and it’s a place where we can tangibly experience the mercy of Jesus.
Favorite pastimes:
Golf, tennis and sports in general; movies, reading.
