October 28, 2011

Seminarian profile

Jerry Pratt is attracted to parish ministry

Jerry Pratt Jr.
Philosophy I
St. Meinrad School of Theology
E-mail: Jerrypratt@gmail.com
Birthday: Oct. 20, 1965
Home Parish: St. Clement Church, Boonville
Parents: Martha and Jerry Pratt Sr., Grandview
Brother: Steve Pratt

Education and Formation

When and where did you begin formal study to the priesthood? I attended Castle High School. I graduate from USI in Evansville in 1991 with a B.S in elementary education.

What’s next? What education or formation do you expect to achieve before ordination? I anticipate earning my masters of Catholic studies and then beginning my M.Div. program.

Your Vocation

Who — or what — affirms you as a seminarian? My parents and brother are very supportive of my decision. I spent a number of years in youth ministry in Protestant churches.

What area of ordained ministry is most attractive? I am attracted to parish ministry — celebrating, mourning, worshipping and encouraging parishioners.

Your Future

Looking ahead to life as a priest in the Diocese of Evansville, God willing, what are your thoughts on the following areas:

The importance of preaching. Preaching brings the Scriptures to life. It gives insight into the priest’s life and instructs the faithful on living a holier life.

Ministry in a cluster parish. What have you heard? What do you expect? I am not familiar with the term.

The role of technology, if any, in assisting with your ministry. We can utilize technology or get passed up by technology. Our parishioners will be using the latest gadgets and we should, too, to help us remain relevant.

The role of the priest in supporting vocations. The priest should be an active recruiter for new vocations, but we will be just as effective if we discharge our duties to the best of our abilities.