Grayson Foley is entering his first year of seminary formation. He recently graduated from St. Joseph high school in Madison.
Home parish: St. Richard Jackson
Background:
I was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and my family moved to Jackson, Mississippi when I was in third grade. I’ve lived here ever since.
What is your vocation story? Who influenced you and why?
In the summer of 2018, I went to a Catholic youth conference called Steubenville on the Bayou with my youth group. It was a faith filled experience and was the first time I considered the priesthood. I had an amazing encounter with our Lord during the exposition of the Eucharist. After returning home I started to receive spiritual direction from Father Nick Adam. This helped me to pre-discern my vocation.
What draws you to diocesan priesthood? And to the Diocese of Jackson?
I am inspired by the selfless example of other diocesan priests and want to serve just as they do. Through prayer I feel like I am being called to serve the people of God in my home Diocese of Jackson.
What are your hobbies/interests?
I enjoy playing basketball, reading, biking, and fishing.
Who is your favorite saint and why?
St. Lawrence is my favorite saint and the one I chose for confirmation. He had a fervor and zeal for the Lord that was radiant even until his death. I pray that I can be as strong in spirit as he was.
Do you have a favorite devotion?
My favorite devotion is lectio divina, which is the prayerful reading of the Word of God. I am drawn to this devotion because it brings me to a deeper knowledge of Christ.
Do you have a favorite devotion?
I have a strong devotion to the Most Blessed Sacrament. I am drawn to the Lord in Eucharistic adoration, and that is where I find peace and rest in His arms.
What is something people might be surprised to learn about you?
Before my I started discerning my vocation I was convinced that I would play college basketball. They say “If you want to make God laugh, tell him about YOUR plans.”
Who is your favorite sports team? LSU Tigers
What has been the most rewarding part of being a seminarian? And the most challenging?
The most rewarding part so far has been the generosity of people and their love for seminarians. The most challenging part is the fact that I am coming right out of high school and will be one of the youngest seminarians at St. Joseph Seminary College.
What advice do you have for those discerning a vocation?
I would say what St. Pier Georgio had to say “With all the strength of my soul I urge you young people to approach the Communion table as often as you can. Feed on this bread of angels whence you will draw all the energy you need to fight inner battles. Because true happiness, dear friends, does not consist in the pleasures of the world or in earthly things, but in peace of conscience, which we have only if we are pure in heart and mind.”