Our Archdiocese has been blessed to welcome five transitional deacons this year: Kenny Nauert, Jr., Matthew Millay, Van Tran, and Yen Tran on March 25 and Michael Schultz on February 18.

By Deacon Kenny Nauert, Jr.

When I think back on my journey towards the priesthood, I remember that it has been filled with moments of both trial and grace – but mostly grace! When I first heard God’s call to be his priest, I was in the fourth grade. My parish priest at the time had asked me, “Have you ever thought about being a priest?” Of course, being young I said, “Nope!” and life went on – or so I thought. Yet, those words stayed with me. As I grew older, I would oscillate between wanting to be a priest and being afraid of the priesthood and what that might mean for me.

Truly, I was afraid. I ran from the idea of being a priest. I did not think God could want someone like me to be His priest. I also wanted a large family like my dad – with kids running around and a wife by my side. I was sure that God was calling me to marriage, and not to the priesthood. Yet, I still wanted to do something with my life that I knew would help others. So, when I was a sophomore at DeSales, I decided that I wanted to be a teacher.

When I started at Western Kentucky University (WKU), I was intent on being a teacher; yet, at the same time, I still majored in Religious Studies, went to the Catholic Center for Mass, and joined men’s prayer groups. I made friends there whose love for Jesus showed me that a life dedicated to God and serving others is not something to be afraid of. With several of those same friends, I joined a discernment group of about twenty others – each of whom were discerning religious life, priesthood, or marriage. I came to realize that maybe God was calling me to be a priest…but the fear remained.

In my last two years at WKU, I worked at Gasper River – a summer camp and retreat center in Bowling Green run by the Diocese of Owensboro. God called me there, to teach his Word, to preach to his people – and I realized that I loved it. God had finally cracked the wall I had placed around my heart, and I could feel the calling deep within. In Eucharistic adoration, I heard God’s voice speak plainly, “Kenny, come home! Be my priest.” I have never been more glad than I am now to have finally said, “Yes, Lord. I will be your priest.”

Yet, that’s not to say the road since then has been easy. No, the last five years have been filled with questioning – “Did I make the right choice?” – as well as tons of schoolwork and studying. Yet, I would not change a moment of it. My years at Saint Meinrad and Theological College have formed me into a better man and have taught me how to be a better disciple – which allowed me to have the peace and joy I needed to promise “I do” and kneel before Archbishop Fabre as he laid his hands on my head, said the prayer, and ordained me a deacon.

Grace upon grace, that’s what the Lord provided me with that day! And every day since has been even more grace filled. When I think back on my ordination, I remember tears of joy sliding down my face as the first song began playing – “O God Beyond All Praising” – and again, as I laid prostrate on the floor during the litany. It was peaceful, it was joyful, it felt right. I was no longer afraid. Now, I am a deacon, and all I feel is joy! I am looking forward to coming home for the summer and ministering in the Archdiocese – and I am looking forward to my ordination to the priesthood next year. Throughout this journey. I have realized that God works wonders for us. We just need to remember His words – “Be not afraid!” – and to trust in Him.