My name is Eric Quebedeaux. I am a thirty-three-year-old seminarian for the Diocese of Lafayette, currently in my propaedeutic year of formation at Saint Joseph Seminary College in Saint Benedict, Louisiana. Ever since I was young, I have felt a strong connection to God through the priesthood. I used to gaze at the altar and envision myself as the celebrant. However, as time passed and I began my career, my focus shifted towards other pursuits. During various trials in my life, I sought the Lord’s guidance, asking Him to show me the path I should take. My first step was to reconnect with Jesus through attending Mass, allowing Him back into my life. I committed to deepening my prayer life and ensured that I attended Mass every Sunday. As 2022 came to an end, I felt a strong urge for something more profound in my life. I wasn’t certain if I was being called to the priesthood, but I spent many nights praying and asking God for a sign. At that time, I had been working in the service industry for fifteen years. Interacting with the public helped me realize that I could connect with God’s people in a unique way. It was then my heart started to open up to the priesthood.
In the spring of 2023, I would frequently visit the vocations website, glance at a few things, and then quickly log off. The magnitude of the decision, which would change my life forever, was overwhelming. However, as summer began, I finally contacted our vocations director, set up a meeting, and started the discernment process. Throughout this process, I had the honor of participating in the High Calling Program offered by the Avila Institute. My vocations director, Fr. Blake Dubroc, recommended this incredible online program, which helps men discern their calling to the priesthood. The various modules provided me with a deeper understanding of who I was as a son of God and clearer vision of what to expect upon entering the seminary. Entering the seminary with a solid understanding of the terminology used in formation was invaluable. The High Calling Program, with its exceptional professors and instructors during the 2023-2024 year, provided me with this foundation. Dr. Joseph Hollcraft’s exemplary leadership skills were particularly impactful. I feel incredibly blessed to have been part of this program and continue to benefit from the tools and resources it provided as I progress in my formation.