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Name: Rev. Joseph L. Peterson
Age: 61
Hometown: Weirton, W.Va.—Sacred Heart of Mary Parish
Present parish: St. Margaret Mary, Parkersburg, W.Va.

Interests: Amateur radio, model trains, gardening

What drew me into priesthood? The witness and support of my family and the living testimony of my parish priest

Favorite Movies: The Tom Clancy series, the Robert Ludlum movies and science fiction in general
Favorite Books: J.R.R. Tolkien trilogy, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe,” “The Shack” and science fiction books.
Favorite Quote: “God hasn't called me to be successful. He's called me to be faithful.” (Mother Teresa)

Over the past 35 years of ministry, one of the questions that people most ask of me is how did I know that I was to be a priest. I somehow feel that some people think that priests receive some sort of divine revelation. In my case, I gradually realized that call through the course of my faith formation. That formation began within my family. My mother was very involved in the life of my home parish, Sacred Heart of Mary in Weirton, W.Va. My father, though he is not Catholic, supported my mother in the raising of my siblings as Catholics.

I began thinking about priesthood when I was in grade school. While I was in eighth grade the young vocation director for the diocese came to our school, Father Bernard Schmitt. He was trying to interest young boys into entering the new diocesan preparatory seminary that was opening in the fall of 1963. I went home asked my parents if I could go there next year. I was enrolled in the first class of St. Joseph Preparatory Seminary at the tender age of 14. I continued in seminary formation for the next 12 years. It was during my junior-senior year of college that I can recall making a firm commitment to pursue priesthood. I was ordained a deacon in May 1974 and ordained a priest in April 1975.

I find it hard to imagine that I have been a priest for 35 years. I have to admit that there have been some difficult times during those years. However, I can’t imagine living a different life. What sustains me is the knowledge that I am serving the Lord and His Church and that he has given me this tremendous gift. I am also sustained by the very people that I have been privileged to serve over the years. I am humbled by the fact that, as a priest, I am welcomed into the homes and lives of people at moments of great need or great joy whether it be the birth of a child, illness of a loved one, the marriage of their children, or the death of a spouse. I am grateful that the Lord has called me to serve in this wonderful way and hope that He gives me many more years of service.