Growing up on the east coast of Canada, I was involved in my family’s parish, but my faith remained lukewarm. A vocation to the priesthood never crossed my mind.
Instead, my attention was captured by the insights into the natural world provided by science, which eventually led me to pursue a doctorate in chemistry at a university in California. During my Ph.D. research, the Holy Spirit led me to ask deeper questions that could not be answered by chemistry alone. As a result, I came to believe the Catholic faith firmly and sought to live it intentionally. Jesus Christ answered the true longing of my mind and heart.
During this time, I sensed an unexpected call to the priesthood. The priests serving in campus ministry helped my discernment, and in time I heard God calling me home as a diocesan priest. After my doctorate, I entered seminary and was ordained in 2016.
I still marvel at the work of God’s grace in my life, and I encourage young people to be open to the surprising ways God may be calling them.
Father James Fleming
Archdiocese of St. John's
Mary, Queen of Peace Council 7405
Torbay, Newfoundland and Labrador
Learn more at rcsj.org/vocations.








