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Tim McIntire
Tim is in annual vows and is in his final year of theology
Age 49
Hometown Clearwater, FL (currently); Levittown, PA (originally)
Family Don and Virginia, parents; Susan, sister
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Discuss how long have you considered a religious vocation? What is your vocation story?
I began considering a religious vocation while I was attending Bishop Egan High School in Levittown-Fairless Hills, PA, back in the mid-70's. I was somewhat shy and apprehensive, and never said much about it. As a result, after graduation, I attended the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in Communications and English. It was around my 40th birthday, after spending my post-college years in business, that I experienced my "metaphysical moment" and re-evaluated my life and expectations. I was accepted and entered diocesan seminary in August of 2005 and transferred to the Oblates in January 2008.
What led to your decision to enter the Oblates? How did you know that it was time to enter?
My two-and-a-half-years spent in diocesan formation was very rewarding. I truly loved the classroom experience and living in community. However, the reality of the seminary was not the reality of diocesan priesthood. Working with my Spiritual Director and Formation Counselor, it became evident that I might not be best suited for diocesan priesthood. I've always wanted to give back to Catholic schools and combined with my desire for community and the appeal of St. Francis de Sales' spirituality, I contacted the Oblates. After spending some time with them, I initially hesitated, but my Spiritual Director at the seminary asked me why "I was delaying the inevitable." I made the move and have had absolutely no regrets or second-thoughts.
What do you like most about the Church?
There is much to like and admire about the Roman Catholic Church. I'm going to use a quote from Pope John Paul II's Encyclical Letter, Fides Et Ratio, to help me out: "Faith and reason are like two wings on which the human spirit rises to the contemplation of truth; and God has placed in the human heart a desire to know the truth." I like the fact that the Church, a community of flawed individuals, strives to live the truth as expressed by the words and deeds of Jesus Christ. I like the fact that we struggle as we attempt to balance faith and reason in an attempt to get to the Truth.
What was your biggest surprise in entering the seminary?
I think the biggest misconception about the seminary is that the men in formation are on their knees praying 24 hours, seven days a week. I can assure you that most of the guys are just normal, everyday people who have their likes and dislikes, good days and bad, and experience the whole range of human emotions. One of the most enjoyable aspects of being in formation with the Oblates is the mature approach and "real world" atmosphere.
What is your favorite book and why?
This is a tough question, because I love to read, most especially non-fiction. I'm interested in current events, history, biography and theology if it is accessible but still challenging. Three books that I've recently read that I would recommend are: The Monks of Tibhirine (John W. Kiser), Saints and Sinners: A History of the Popes (Eamon Duffy) and The Jungle (Upton Sinclair).
Favorite movie and why?
The Deer Hunter because it is the first movie that made me really examine my views on war. Plus, with a cast that featured Robert DeNiro, Christopher Walken and Meryl Streep, how could you go wrong? Other favorites: The Godfather, Patton and Cindarella Man.
What do you do in your free time?
I like to read, listen to music while I workout on the treadmill and love watching sports, especially while hanging out with friends. My favorite sports are college and pro football, baseball, the National Hockey League and college basketball. I like golf, but my game leaves a lot to be desired. It's a great excuse to go out and enjoy a cigar!
What kind of music do you listen to?
I'm stuck in the 70's and 80's. Springsteen, Dylan, The Beatles, Sheryl Crow, Fleetwood Mac and The Beach Boys are my favorite groups. I do like Loreena McKennitt as well, but her music wasn't made for working out on a treadmill.
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