Deacon Emmerling is the oldest of eight children from a devout Catholic family. He grew up on Cincinnati’s west side, near St. Ignatius Church. He inherited a love of cooking from his parents and enjoys cooking for others. Because of his family’s special devotion to St. Joseph, this saint is his favorite—and is the confirmation patron for both the deacon and his father. Deacon Emmerling said St. Joseph helped him during his discernment, and he is excited to see what this saint’s intercession will accomplish in his life after ordination.

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

I was young, around second or third grade, when I began serving Saturday Mass and there found a closeness to the Sacrifice of the Mass and the holy priests I served for, which began to open my eyes to a call to the priesthood. Only after weekly Eucharistic adoration for a few years did I have the courage to finally say yes to that call. Around this time, during high school, I distinctly remember reciting the vocation prayer and having several people encourage my openness to the priesthood for I saw these as powerful examples of the diocese praying for and encouraging priests. I find great solace in having so many people not only praying but also personally encouraging me to the call.

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

My mother, father, grandfather, Fr. Don McCarthy, and Fr. John Wall all helped my vocation. If not for their constant help and prayer throughout my discernment, I would not be where I am today. The most powerful help I received was the holiness of life that they presented. In my family’s daily life and the numerous occasions of serving at my parish, I always saw this holiness. This life well lived, fortified by the sacraments and always directed to the Lord, gave me the motive and courage to live the call and enter into the life of following the Lord. Their constant encouragement has been incalculable and remains a touchstone for striving to grow in holiness and to be an encouraging example to others.

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

The first time I said yes to the call was a time of great change, but since then, I can honestly say that it gets easier to say yes to that call. One thing I recognized early was that there are many yeses one is required to give. I have not only found it easier to say yes to God’s will in my life, but I also find great joy in joining myself to God’s will and this great mission.

What has surprised you most since joining the seminary?

The fraternity among my brothers at seminary has been one of the single most influential realities in my life. Not only sharing the joys and struggles of life, but a house of men also truly dedicated to growing and praying changes a man. Through the power of prayer at seminary, I have been transformed into a man capable of striving to love as Christ does. I credit all this to the seminary and the men who give themselves to the call to discern the priesthood.

What stood out during your internship year?

The first thing that stood out was the constant need for growth one should always have. I quickly recognized that I needed to grow, and the parishes where I was assigned afforded manifold opportunities to do so. I next realized a need to connect with youth. Their desire to know the faith surprised me, they were quick to catch anyone being inauthentic, and their love of God and lived devotion encouraged me.

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

I am excited to get to work. Just as our Lord has promised an abundant harvest, so too, the work that must be done. I hunger for the opportunity to work for the salvation of souls, whether they are close to our Lord or far away from Him. To be used as an instrument in this great work is very exciting. I would be remiss if I did not recognize the daunting task ahead, however, I am constantly reminded that we have the Lord on our side and there is nothing He cannot do. Thus, I desire even more to give what I can and live the life God has called me to.