REV. JOHN ASSALONE
E-mail: assalone@stfrancishenderson.org
I was Ordained into the Priesthood on May 14, 2009 by Bishop, Joseph A. Pepe at the Guardian Angel Cathedral.
My desire to become a priest began when I was very young. I remember being in seventh grade and wanting to be just like our pastor. I attended Mass regularly. I was always completely absorbed into the Eucharistic celebration and visualized many times myself in the role of a priest. My grandfather, parents and uncle had a strong influence on my vocation. I never had to be convinced to go or dragged to church. I found that I wanted to be in a Church every free moment. I did odd jobs around the church just to be close to what was happening there.
When I was in 10th grade I told my parents that I wanted to be a priest. I believed then that God was calling me. I was told by my family and friends to enjoy my high school and college years before making a final decision. So I put the process on hold, but the “tuggings” from the Lord continued. These tuggings became so strong that they became a challenge for me. Was I ready to accept the challenge? Did I really want to answer the call?
Following every Mass, our parish would pray a special prayer for vocations. Little did I realize how these prayers would change my life? I continued to wonder what it would be like to be a priest. The vocation prayer spoke about courage, which is what I needed to take the next step. The call to become a priest became stronger than it ever had before in my life.
Now after years of discernment and formation at the Seminary, I was blessed with Ordination into the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Reflecting back on the journey, I can see how God was operative in my formation and how the Lord and the Holy Spirit has guided me. Although I am ordained, I still continue to call upon the Lord to help me to be a better priest for the people of God. Life has been good to me and I thank God everyday for his gift of priesthood. I am currently assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Henderson, Nevada as the parochial vicar. The community has been very welcoming and supportive of my first few months as priest.
It has truly been a long and strange journey from those high school years until, today. There have been many turns and changes in my journey, but I have come to see a loving God who has always been there waiting for me to respond. I pray that He remains patient with me as I continue to serve in the priesthood.
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