Fulfillment Only Comes From Living for God
"Fulfillment only comes from living for God." This week on Modern Catholic Family, Jim and Meghan sit down with Father Avery Daniel, a priest of the Archdiocese of Atlanta and pastor at St. Benedict in Johns Creek, to hear his journey from a Naval Academy hopeful to a joyful shepherd of souls. Father Avery shares how a shocking military disqualification became the turning point that led him to discover God's calling, and offers hard won wisdom for young men discerning the priesthood and the families who love them.
What’s in this episode:
The Naval Academy dream disqualified by a condition he never had
A midnight encounter with the Lord that changed everything
Why the Lord asked rather than ordered him into the priesthood
His mother's unforgettable response to his call from God
The hardest and most joyful parts of priestly life
How parents can process fear when a son discerns the priesthood
Wisdom for grandparents and parents supporting that calling
A resource for building a family prayer life at home
Book recommendations on priesthood, leadership, and literature
One resource every Catholic family should know: The Home Oratory
Book he is currently reading: The Priest Is Not His Own by Fulton Sheen & Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin
Advice to his younger self: "Just do the thing... The Lord is giving you what you need. You don't have to worry about it."
Final wisdom for listeners: "God is always there... the only thing he needs is your permission to come in."
Resources Mentioned:
@thehomeoratory – Daily inspiration for bringing prayer and worship into the home
The Priest Is Not His Own by Fulton Sheen – A reflection on priestly identity and the heart of Christ
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink & Leif Babin – A leadership book on personal responsibility and accountability