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NAME: Joseph Heisey

DIOCESE: Archdiocese of Washington

ARMED FORCES BRANCH: Army

RANK: 1st Lieutenant

COLLEGE(S) / UNIVERSITY(IES) / SEMINARY(IES)

ATTENDED (DEGREES AWARDED): Catholic University of America, B.S. Physics, eological College, M Div (current)

HIGH SCHOOL(S) ATTENDED: St Mary’s Ryken, Leonardtown, MD

HOBBIES: Woodworking, hiking

TEAM SPORTS: Wrestling, boxing rough silent prayer and the example of people who lived the Faith vigorously. Jesus has been there to give me strength and wisdom whenever I needed it. e Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis.

WHEN WAS THE FIRST TIME YOU THOUGHT YOU MIGHT HAVE A VOCATION TO THE PRIESTHOOD?

During cadet training in ROTC, I was talking to a chaplain candidate who mentioned the need for Catholic chaplains. From that point, the idea never le my mind and the need became more obvious during training exercises and time in the reserves.

WHO OR WHAT EVENTS INFLUENCED OR INSPIRED YOU IN YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY?

Stories of heroic priests, especially Father Kapaun and Father Capodanno. eir heroism was motivated by the grace of God which they received through following their vocations. Good friends before and during seminary have always supported me.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SCRIPTURE PASSAGE, WHY?

John 1:5 “ e light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” It is an image of the strength of Jesus against sin and death. Darkness sometimes seems larger but it cannot overcome one.

HOW DID YOU COME TO KNOW JESUS CHRIST PERSONALLY?

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE SPIRITUAL EVENTS OR ACTIVITIES THAT HELPED YOU DEVELOP AND SHARE YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH CHRIST AND HIS CHURCH? Silent retreats are paramount. ose are the times that strip away everything nonessential to bring you into a close conversation with Jesus and give you a sense of purpose. Parish and unit ministry activities make the need for the Church clear. People always have a need for the spirit- lled work of the Church in their lives, even if they are unaware of such a need. Being a minister of this work is a great privilege.

HAVE ANY SAINTS OR CHURCH LEADERS PARTICULARLY INSPIRED YOUR DISCERNMENT JOURNEY?

Saint Joseph is my favorite saint. I admire his silence, protectiveness, and trust in God. He was disciplined and did his daily work without complaining. He took care of the people entrusted to him.

WHAT WAS THE NEXT TO LAST BOOK YOU READ, AND WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY READING?

I recently reread Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry and am now working my way through the Aubrey-Maturin series by Patrick O’Brian.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SPIRITUAL BOOK?

WHO ARE YOUR HEROES OR PEOPLE YOU SIGNIFICANTLY ADMIRE?

Teddy Roosevelt, Father Emil Kapaun, Saint Joseph, Ernest Shackleton, Joan of Arc.

DO YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE LITURGICAL LIFE OF THE CHURCH? WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW?

I have the opportunity to participate in liturgy at eological College in various ministries: lector, acolyte, sacristan, and master of ceremonies. I serve Sunday Masses at my parish assignment. rough these ministries, I get to experience how the Church prays the liturgy in various ways, and how it meets the needs of di erent communities. I pray the Liturgy of the Hours. e Church’s liturgical life is indispensable for my personal prayer since it provides the Word of God. I start each day with a Holy Hour where I read the scriptures and spend time in contemplation. is is when God speaks to me. is gives clarity and purpose to the day which can be lled with business and distraction. V