Deacon Packer grew up in Lebanon, Ohio, the eldest of eight children, with five brothers and two sisters. They were homeschooled and took on responsibilities for a house that ran all day long. He enjoyed playing sports with the neighbors and reading. Come Rack! Come Rope! is a favorite book, a historical fiction set in Elizabethan England when the Church was persecuted and Catholics died for their faith.  The story is revelatory of both their times and human nature. St. Isaac Jogues is a favorite saint, a Jesuit Martyr who escaped after being tortured by the Iroquois, but voluntarily returned to them to evangelize and bring peace with the French. His willingness to suffer for those who hated him so that they might know God inspires Deacon Packer, who said this saint traveled with him spiritually through the years of discernment and formation.

When did you first think you might have a call to the priesthood?

Early in high school, I began considering my vocation and life as an adult. I had several opportunities to meet seminarians and young priests (including our vicar, Fr. Eric Wood), which gave me occasion to consider seminary. After a retreat and several conversations with our vocations director, I felt strongly enough to try seminary.

Who are the people who have helped you the most on your journey? How did they help you?

I have to say my parents and the pastor I grew up with. They modeled family and priestly life since I was young and always encouraged and supported my discernment. Since the time my brother and I left for seminary, I have grown in appreciation for my family’s role in forming me. The rector of my college seminary, Simon Bruté, and an influential mentor from my internship also profoundly aided in forming my conception of  and engagement with ministry, love for God’s people, and spiritual fatherhood in ways I find difficult to explain. I would not be the person I am today without the help of these wonderful people.

What changes in yourself have you noticed since formally saying “yes” to the priesthood?

Since starting seminary, I have grown from a very shy young man who struggled to even think about public speaking to someone who gives homilies without wanting to hide from embarrassment. Since my deacon ordination a year ago, when my yes became much more concrete, I am far more comfortable in a formal ministerial position and in leading prayer and liturgies.

What has surprised you most since joining the seminary?

How much I have learned has surprised me, as well as how much I still must learn. While learning so much theology, I’ve realized that the more I know, the more I do not know. God is infinitely knowable, and I only learn one thing at a time. Additionally, with all the knowledge gained in seminary, I realize how little practical experience I have—I have taken a whole class on the Holy Trinity, but when a child asks a question on the Trinity, I hardly know how to explain it to them.

What stood out during your internship year?

What most stood out for me was how concretely incarnational the parish is. Not only is the church building important to parish life, but also the parishioners and their personal lives, struggles, and joys. The experience of small joys and sorrows shared in the community stood out, along with the larger ones, such as funerals, a tornado, and multiple house fires, but also baptisms, weddings and unexpected children.

Following the ordination, what aspect of your vocation are you most excited about? What part feels most daunting?

I am most looking forward to celebrating the sacraments. While graced to share experiences with several priests and be able to baptize, I have obviously not been able to celebrate most sacraments. I am very much looking forward to soon celebrating Mass, and the Sacraments of Penance and Anointing of the Sick. One of the most daunting things is the responsibility for souls. With the great power to celebrate the sacraments comes the great responsibility to do so well and help people get to heaven. That is a heavy responsibility, and I pray I am ready to undertake it.

Rev. Mr. Benjamin Packer has been assigned Parochial Vicar of St. Bernadette, Amelia; St. Mary, Bethel; St. Peter, New Richmond; and St. Thomas More, Withamsville.