Trusting God’s Call
For Deacon Jonathan Dick, OSFS, the call to the priesthood can be traced back to childhood, however, it was not a linear journey. While attending Catholic school, he developed a deep love for the Church through learning about the saints, serving as an altar server, and singing in the choir. It was during this time that the idea of priesthood first surfaced…though it quickly faded.
Many years later, while attending Holy Family University, Jon began to reconnect with his faith, opening the door to deeper discernment. The Campus Chaplain at the time, Fr. Jim McNew, OSFS, introduced him to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, explaining the differences between diocesan and religious life and helping guide his next steps, which led to him joining the Oblate associate program.
What drew Jon to the Oblates was their joy, approachability, and humanity. “They were hardworking, welcoming, and genuinely joyful men,” he recalled. He was also deeply attracted to Salesian Spirituality, especially its emphasis on finding God in everyday life.
He first entered the Oblates in 2013 but left after a year to focus on personal growth. Then, while working at a parish in Adrian, Michigan, he encountered two Oblates, Fr. Tom Murphy, OSFS, and Fr. Michael Newman, OSFS, who encouraged him, often with humor, to reconsider joining the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Though initially resistant, Jon began to feel once again that God might still be calling him to the priesthood.
Fr. Tim McIntire, OSFS, with Deacon Jonathan Dick, OSFS.
Eventually, he chose to return in search of clarity. “Over time, as I remained, even in moments of questioning, I never felt called to leave again,” he said.
What continues to inspire Jon is the spirituality of St. Francis de Sales, whose vision of the human person is deeply hopeful and rooted in love. St. Francis describes the relationship between God and humanity as a love story, one in which God meets us in ordinary life and draws us into union. The teachings of Bl. Louis Brisson, OSFS, founder of the Oblates, also resonate with him, offering practical guidance for living this spirituality today.
Reflecting on advice from Fr. Michael Newman: “You enter religious life for one reason, but by the time you are ordained, that reason should change.” Jon said that today his call to the priesthood is shaped by several desires:
To invite others into a relationship with God
To serve people in both their joys and struggles
To witness religious life as a sign of hope beyond this world
To offer tangible encounters with God through the sacraments
He looks forward to celebrating Mass, hearing confessions, anointing the sick, and walking closely with people in a personal and pastoral way, helping them encounter Christ through these sacred moments.
One phrase that deeply impacted his discernment was: “Through the Oblates, Jesus will be seen walking the face of the earth again.” Reflecting on this, Jon said, “I hope to live in such a way that others can encounter the gentle, human, and approachable Christ. Ultimately, my desire is to help people enter into a relationship with Jesus and experience the fullness of that relationship within the life of the Church.”