Missionary class of 2017
This month, we turn our spotlight to Dillon, a member of our missionary class of 2017, who now walks an inspiring path towards the priesthood.
While the seeds of his vocation were sown in college, Dillon says it was during his time at Christ in City that his vocation became clarified.
A specific memory stands out for Dillon: a vigil Mass for the Solemnity of the Annunciation during his missionary year. In the homily, Bishop Rodriquez compared Mary’s “fiat” (yes) to the “yes” of religious life. He spoke of the immense joy that enters your heart when you completely give your life to God in this way. “Right in the middle of that homily,” Dillon recalls, “I knew that the joy he was describing was what the Lord had planned for my life.”
Fast forward seven years, six of which were spent in seminary, and Dillon finds himself a newly ordained Deacon. Currently, he’s serving in Browning, Montana, on the Blackfeet reservation for the summer.
Dillon attributes his Christ in the City formation to bearing fruit in two key ways: “First, it taught me to be comfortable in the awkward,” Dillon shared. “We are doing tons of door-to-door ministry this month, and it is very similar to walking the streets meeting people where they are without being embarrassed. Christ in the City also taught me to temper my passion for Truth with charity and compassion, which has helped in both preaching and ministry.”
Dillon’s missionary experience also profoundly impacted his understanding of poverty and what it means to take on a poor heart. “The Spirit of Poverty in my life comes from a growing appreciation that everything I have is a gift, and not just from the Lord. Even my stipend is paid by the generosity of the lay faithful in the diocese, most of whom I have never met.”
Dillon’s story is a powerful reminder of what the Lord can do with our “fiat”.
We know you will be a phenomenal priest, Dillon, and have no doubt the Lord is using your life in profound ways. The Christ in City family is honored to have you as an alumnus! Know of our continued prayers for your priesthood!
