Welcoming Father Nicholas Duncan Kierstin Richter, Editor & Public Relations Director On Saturday, May 21, 2022, Father Nicholas Duncan was ordained to the priesthood at 10:00 am in the Cathedral of Saint John Berchmans. Father Duncan is a Shreveport native and a graduate of Southwood High School and Louisiana Tech University. He completed his Seminary in New Orleans and completed a five month internship at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in Shreveport. Returning for his last year of formation in New Orleans, he completed courses on scripture, psalms, literature, social teaching, and outreach ecumenism, as well as lab practicals on celebrating Mass and practicing other sacraments such as confession and weddings. I asked him how he felt about taking this big step to the priesthood, and he was unphased. “The reality is the big step really feels more like your ordination to the diaconate. You’ve already made your vows of celibacy and your decision to go forth, so that next year of seminary really just feels more like a waiting period until it’s official. You’re already halfway there. I was even more excited to sit and witness Deacon Gabriel’s ordination to the diaconate [at Chirst the King] because I got to be one of the priests.” Father Duncan began his assignment at Saint Joseph Church in Shreveport, taking the place of Father Kevin Mues who was assigned to Saint Thomas Aquinas Parish in Ruston, in June.
For those discerning the priesthood, Father Duncan offers this piece of advice: “There’s a temptation in our culture not to tell anyone [about your discernment] because in our culture it’s often frowned upon. You’re met with a sense of shock and awe from others, even Catholics. A lot of people discern in private, but it’s best to be open about it because you can’t do it on your own. It’s like a marriage. You can say yes, but the Church has to say ‘yes’ too. Be in dialogue, and come out to talk to people about it. We don’t talk enough about vocations so we don’t know what they really are.” In reference to the “vocations crisis,” Father Duncan offered an alternative perspective. “I don’t think we have a vocations crisis as much as not enough people wanting to be holy. When you have that need, you will have more priests.” He elaborated that the foundation for the priesthood is the vocation of marriage. Holy families raise holy children and there’s not enough marketing in the world you can do to increase the number of vocations. It starts at home, and it starts with the family. “ Everyone please continue to pray for Father Duncan as he serves the people of Saint Joseph Parish and the Diocese of Shreveport.
AUGUST 2022
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