Mr. Carlos Gonzalez, Jr.

Home Parish: Sacred Heart, Cicero
I believe the seeds of my vocation were sown fairly early in life. As a child, I was inspired by the joy, zeal, and faith I saw in my childhood pastor, Fr. Amedeo Guida. His example left a deep impression on me – one that never faded. It was during high school that I began to more seriously consider the priesthood. During that time, I was invited to attend the Steubenville Youth Conference. It was there that I made a commitment to follow the Lord's call, wherever it may lead. Around the same time, I was deeply influenced by my pastor, Fr. Richard Prior. His faithful service to God and the Church had a profound impact on me, and further strengthened my desire to explore a vocation to the priesthood. 

After high school, I entered college seminary and began my studies in Philosophy. After two years, and much prayer and discernment, I felt called to take a leave from seminary with sincere hope that God would make His calling more evident.

Very quickly I began to make my own plans. I planned to move to California to become a member of the San Jose Police Department. I had done almost everything involved in the application process to the Police Academy and I was one week away from moving to Cali. The certainty that I had of becoming a cop and moving to California had disappeared. When I prayed, I felt the strong urge to stay back and go back to my original intention of listening and being open to where the Lord was calling me.

Shortly after prayerfully deciding not to move to California, I met with a priest friend of mine, Fr. Cliff Auth. During our conversation, Fr. Cliff invited me to consider becoming the Youth Minister of his parishes, St. Augustine’s and St. Mary’s in Baldwinsville. I jumped on the opportunity. It was through working with Fr. Cliff and ministering to the youth in Baldwinsville that I continually sensed the Lord’s call to follow Him.