In this article, recently found on the Knights of Columbus website, we see the big challenge that young men across the USA who had promising sports careers had to make in choosing to enter seminary.  In his message for this year's World Day of Prayer for Vocations, which will be observed May 15, Pope Benedict XVI wrote: "It is a challenging and uplifting invitation that Jesus addresses to those to whom he says: 'Follow me!'"

Grant Desme was a rising star in baseball's minor leagues. Chase Hilgenbrinck had reached the top rung of professional soccer. Peter Hannah was a highly skilled golfer with his mind set on a pro career. Yet, no longer do these men measure their life's work by pennants, penalty kicks or pars. The voices now guiding them don't come from coaches or crowds, but from deep within their souls, as they pursue studies for the Catholic priesthood.

For Desme, Hilgenbrinck and Hannah, their challenge was to shed careers marked by superior athletic talent, public adulation and potentially big paychecks. Through their commitment, however, each has heard and responded to the "uplifting invitation" of Jesus.

The full article can be found by clicking here