Father Ryan Schustache shares his unexpected journey to the priesthood, detailing his early struggles with faith, a transformative experience at a youth camp, and the gradual realization of his vocation. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, he emphasizes the importance of love, discernment, and responding to God's call in one's life.
In a heartfelt conversation on the Captain Her Heart podcast, Father Ryan Schustache from the Archdiocese of St. Paul in Minneapolis shares his remarkable journey to the priesthood. His story is one of unexpected love, profound encounters with God, and the courage to follow a divine calling.
Father Ryan grew up in St. Michael, Minnesota, as the oldest of three siblings in a devout Catholic family. Despite a solid upbringing, he viewed faith as a distant concept, akin to storybook characters rather than a personal reality. He recalls his childhood aspirations of becoming a bus driver or a math teacher, with no inclination towards the priesthood.
The pivotal moment in Father Ryan's life occurred during a sixth-grade retreat at Extreme Faith Camp in 2010. Initially resistant to attending, he was compelled by his mother. The camp profoundly impacted him, particularly during a personal benediction at Eucharistic adoration. For the first time, he felt the individual love of God, leading him to realize that he was seen and cherished by the divine. This encounter ignited a love for God that would shape his future.
Despite this transformative experience, Father Ryan did not immediately consider the priesthood. He continued his education, focusing on mathematics and swimming, and planned to attend college. However, during a college visit, he felt an inexplicable urge to explore the seminary, a place he had little knowledge of. This feeling was so strong that he described it as a divine "pocket dial" from God, prompting him to investigate further.
Upon visiting the seminary, Father Ryan was pleasantly surprised. Contrary to his expectations of a dusty, quiet place filled with odd individuals, he found a vibrant community of young men who shared his passion for faith. They engaged in activities like ultimate frisbee and morning adoration, embodying the same fire he had felt at Extreme Faith Camp. This experience led him to consider seminary life seriously.
After much prayer and discernment, Father Ryan decided to enter seminary, despite initial concerns from his parents. His father, a financial planner, worried about the costs associated with a philosophy degree, while his mother, a hospice nurse, expressed fears about loneliness in the priesthood. However, through discussions with the vocations director and witnessing the community at the seminary, both parents gradually came to support his decision.
Father Ryan thrived in seminary, where he deepened his understanding of the priesthood and his relationship with God. He discovered that being a priest involved much more than he had initially thought; it was about being present in the most significant moments of people's lives—weddings, births, and even death. His love for God grew, and he began to feel a strong calling to serve as a priest.
Throughout his journey, Father Ryan's family played a crucial role. His sisters had mixed reactions, with one expressing surprise and the other acceptance. However, as Father Ryan's commitment to the priesthood became clearer, his family rallied around him. His mother, in particular, experienced a profound change of heart after attending the funeral of a beloved priest, realizing the impact of a priest's life on the community.
Father Ryan was ordained a deacon in 2023 and a priest in 2024. He now serves at St. John Newman Catholic Church in Egan, where he finds joy in being involved in family life and witnessing the transformative power of faith in others. He emphasizes that the priesthood is not a consolation prize but a fulfilling vocation that brings him immense joy.
Father Ryan shares that his favorite aspects of being a priest include the sacraments and the deep connections he forms with families. He enjoys engaging with children and the elderly, finding inspiration in their faith and experiences. However, he also acknowledges the challenges of transitioning between emotional moments, such as moving from a funeral to a wedding.
For those considering a vocation, Father Ryan encourages them to take action and explore their feelings. He emphasizes that God cannot steer a parked car, urging individuals to take steps forward in their discernment. He also reminds them that discernment is about responding to God's love, not merely seeking personal desires.
Father Ryan Schustache's journey to the priesthood is a testament to the power of love, faith, and divine calling. His story encourages others to embrace their unique paths and trust in God's plan for their lives. As he continues his ministry, Father Ryan remains a beacon of hope and inspiration for those seeking to understand their own vocations.
