Joseph Beale

2nd Pre-Theology
Saint John's Seminary, Brighton, MA

 

Biography

I have lived in Maine since my parents and I moved from Florida in 2000. I was quite young at the time so Maine has really been the place I have grown up and remember the best. Upon moving to Topsham, my parents and I began attending St. Charles Borromeo, now a part of All Saints Parish, and I attended St. John’s Catholic School for my kndergarten-8th grade education. I am incredibly grateful to my parents that the graces I received at baptism were nourished through a Catholic education and a prioritizing of Sunday Mass.

I believe that God planted the roots of my vocation in my heart and soul at the time of my baptism. At a young age, I had considered that God may be calling me to be a priest and distinctly remember Fr. Richard Rice telling me to “never rule out the collar.” Throughout high school and early college, I tried to suppress God’s call and take my life into my own hands. I was very fortunate to attend the University of Maine in Orono and encounter the Newman Center on campus. Through the opportunity for frequent reception of the sacraments, adoration, spiritual direction, and healthy, Catholic fraternity, I was able to further listen to God’s call and discern what it was that he was asking me to accomplish in my life.

During my time at the University of Maine, I was very fortunate to become involved with the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord in Old Town where I was able to encounter many souls who were in love with Our Lord. Experiencing this was incredibly inspirational. Through the amazing opportunity to interact, volunteer, live, and serve at the Parish of the Resurrection of the Lord, I was able to see how God pours out his love to us through the Eucharist and the communion of the faithful.

Through discernment and interactions with parishioners, I have found great joy in working for souls who strive to one day be united with Christ at the heavenly banquet. By spending time in prayer, dialoguing with parishioners and priests, and further discerning the man God is asking me to be, I have found great joy in the possibility of one day being his priest. If God wills it, I very much look forward to pouring out the graces God has given me for the salvation of the people of Portland through the administering of the sacraments and pastoral charity. Please pray for me!

Fun Facts:

Hobbies: Golf, ice fishing, hiking, board games, soccer, swimming, reading

Favorite Foods: Sausage, peppers, and onions, corned beef, hamburgers, and tuna fish sandwiches

Favorite Sports Teams: New York Yankees, New England Patriots, Boston Celtics, Boston Bruins

Favorite Saints: Mary the Mother of God, St. John Vianney, Pope St. Pius X, Pope St. Pius V, St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta, Blessed Michael McGivney, St. Justin Martyr, St. Benedict, St. Bonaventure

Favorite Authors: J.R.R. Tolkien, Erich Maria Remarque, Scott Hahn, Joseph Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI), Plato

Favorite Churches: Holy Family Church in Old Town, St. Ann in Bradley, St. Ann serving the Penobscot Nation, St. John the Baptist in Brunswick, Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Portland, Basilica of Ss. Peter and Paul in Lewiston.


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