Fr. Derik Peterman
Men of the Hearts
"I think the greatest thing about being a priest is seeing God work in people's lives." Fr. Craig Giera welcomes Fr. Derik Peterman, pastor of St. Anne Parish, to share his vocation story. Fr. Peterman reflects on an early encounter with God at age 10 and how he found his way back to the sacraments in college. He also offers wisdom for young men discerning the priesthood and insight into the joy of watching God work through priestly ministry. (0:23) Fr. Craig introduces Fr. Derik Peterman and reflects on the blessings of parish life as Advent approaches. Fr. Peterman shares how he has witnessed many people returning to the sacraments, especially through confession, and reflects on how modern secular culture may be influencing some of these conversions. (5:52) Fr. Peterman traces his vocation back to an experience at age 10, when he felt the palpable presence of God. This encounter planted a seed that would remain with him throughout his life, even though he did not yet know how to respond. (11:21) Fr. Peterman recalls participating in high school sports, academics, friendships, and dating, all while the thought of the priesthood quietly lingered in the background. He was active in track and field, excelled in math and science, and participated in the parish youth group largely for its social aspect. (15:33) At Michigan State University, Fr. Peterman competed as a pole vaulter while studying physics. He was invited into a non-denominational Bible study that reawakened his faith and helped him encounter Jesus as a real person. (20:04) Though enriched by Scripture study, Fr. Peterman felt something missing and was drawn back to the Catholic Church and the Eucharist. On his first Sunday back at Mass, he heard an announcement for a priestly discernment group, a moment he recognized as God’s unmistakable invitation. (26:46) As college progressed, Fr. Peterman faced the pivotal decision between marriage and seminary. He ultimately chose to enter the seminary, but had to navigate some resistance from non-Catholic family members. (48:43) As he got into his seminary studies, Fr. Peterman began to understand the harmony between faith and reason. He shares how his scientific training helped him approach philosophy and theology, drawing on a line from the Catechism of the Catholic Church that says that truth cannot contradict truth. (53:06) Fr. Peterman describes the greatest joy of the priesthood as witnessing God actively work in people’s lives. He gives advice to men discerning the priesthood: do not be afraid, bring fears to prayer, and take concrete steps forward while discerning.