The Circle

Issue date: 3/11/10 Section: Features

Media Credit: Courtesy of Katie Sullivan

On Feb. 20th, Matt Reiman, A Class of 2009 graduate, walked into Our Lady of Wisdom Chapel on campus, as he had many times during his four years here. This time, he was wearing vestments and helped Father LaMorte conduct the service. Reiman is currently studying at St. Joseph's Seminary in Yonkers, and will be on campus several times each semester to participate in worship, Catholic Students Association activities, and to serve as mentor for students.

Reiman, however, is not the only Marist student pursuing the priesthood.

After senior Matt Janczyk puts aside his graduation gown, it won't be long before he dons a habit as a novitiate in the Dominican Order.

Janczyk, a biomedical sciences major, had planned on going to medical school after college, but instead will study to be a friar in the Dominican Order.

Janczyk and Reiman cite the support of Father LaMorte as well as their own process of insight into a feeling of being called as big factors in their decision to seek out the consecrated life.

Reiman felt as though he had been called to join the seminary.

"There has been a feeling since I came back to practicing the faith, that it is something I am destined to do," Reiman said. "A big part of my decision was having great priests in my parish, Father LaMorte, and Father Luke Sweeney here at the seminary-people who are happy with the vocation they chose and supportive of others."

Father LaMorte remembers meeting Reiman when he was a sophomore, getting to know him better during his junior year, and living next door to him senior year.

"We began to talk about [seminary] at the beginning of his senior year. Whenever he had questions or thoughts he wanted to bounce off me, I responded to those from the vantage point of my experience," LaMorte said.

Janczyk also talked with LaMorte as he began to consider a life of religious service.

"I didn't grow up in an overly devout family. When I came to Marist, the idea of the priesthood came into my life briefly," Janczyk said. "Over a few months, it became a common thought and a question I needed to address."

While talking with LaMorte about this dynamic question, Jancyzk expressed concerns about the life of a diocesan priest
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"I had the idea that it was lonely," Janczyk said. "Coming from a close family, having close friends, this was something I was initially worried about. That is definitely what pushed me to explore other options."

Continued...

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