I grew up loving two things: our family farm and sports. There was a basketball hoop in the haymow of our barn, and during breaks from working with the cale, I would play pickup games with my brothers and cousins. I grew to love football, too, and was even blessed to play quarterback at the collegiate level for a year. But over time, another love quietly grew in my heart: a love for Christ and his Church.
My parents instilled in me a strong work ethic and an unswerving trust in the Lord. My parish priest provided an example of real eucharistic amazement, an intense prayer life and a filial devotion to our Blessed Mother. Through their influence, I discovered that the greatest joy of my life was when I could draw others closer to our Savior.
While I still love to come home to the family farm and still play sports, it is Christ’s all-conquering love that consumes my life, and I couldn’t be happier. To all those discerning their vocation: Let his love conquer!
Father Thomas J. Haan
Diocese of Lafayette in Indiana
Father Thomas J. Kelley Council 6923
Fishers, Ind.








