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Name: Father Christopher M. Turner
Age: 35
Hometown: Bridgeport, W.Va.
Present parish: Immaculate Conception Parish in Clarksburg, W.Va.

What drew me into priesthood? I was drawn to the priesthood because I wanted to do something different. I find life as a priest to be both rewarding and fulfilling.

Interests: Reading, movies, spending time with family and friends

Favorite Movies: "Up in the Air"
Favorite Books: "To kill a mockingbird."
Favorite Quote: "Forward always forward everywhere forward"

I always wanted to work with people, but was not sure how to best serve others. For me, priesthood was not something I considered until after graduating from college. I spent some time working with troubled teens and enjoyed what I did. But at the end of the day, I still felt empty at night. So I entered the seminary.

I find life as a priest to be both rewarding and fulfilling. I was ordained in June 2005 at the Cathedral of Saint Joseph in Wheeling by Bishop Michael Bransfield. My first assignment began several days later when I found myself as associate pastor of St. Michael Parish in Wheeling.

My day usually begins early. I rise between two and three hours prior to the morning liturgy. I do this in order to spend some quiet time in prayer prior to celebrating the Mass. The morning prayers we pray are the same prayers offered by priests, religious and laypersons all over the world. After Mass, I typically eat breakfast with parishioners or other friends. This affords me the opportunity to talk with others and get to know them better.

I try to visit the hospitals and nursing homes on a weekly basis. I also spend time visiting sick and shut-in parishioners in their homes. Funerals are something that can be stressful for everyone involved, so I work hard to console grieving families as best possible.

I enjoy spending time with the children of the parish. Visits to the Catholic schools are a regular part of my schedule. These visits are something I really enjoy. The children are great and always have good questions for me.

It is hard to believe I have been a priest for five years now. It has been rewarding and enjoyable. I could not imagine doing anything else. It has been and continues to be an honor to serve the people of God as a priest. I am truly blessed.