About the Salesians / Greg McClung

When I look back on the first time I thought about the Priesthood and religious life, I realize I was young to have even thought about it. It was seven years ago that I began to contemplate religious life, and in most cases that is an awful long time. After three years of Salesian middle school, and four years of Catholic high school, I really began to feel a calling to religious life.

Greg hanging out with the guys in his down time.

Throughout high school I began to really feel a call to Diocesan Priesthood, and simultaneously a call to marriage. I had dated all throughout high school and for a while thought that I for sure was not called to the religious life. But in my senior year in high school I felt a tremendous call, one that I could not ignore, it was the call to find out more about the Salesians, the group of priests and brothers that had helped me turn my life around. I immediately felt a pull towards their spirituality and their faith in God.

I have had a background in youth ministry, when in high school I spent my four years on the peer ministry team. Helping my fellow students and organizing retreats for the separate classes. And when my senior year came around and I received such a pull towards the Salesians, I thought that I might apply, but instead took two years to work as the Youth Minister at my home parish in Brooksville Florida. After a year and a half there I knew that the best place for me was with the Salesians. Since then I have felt such a peace in knowing that with the Salesians, I can let God take complete control of my life, and lead me to where I need to be.

Greg hanging out with Stephen (left) and Pedro (right) in the entertainment room.

Questions with Greg McClung

1. Name: Greg McClung

2. Hometown and State: Brooksville, Florida

3. Current Age: 22

4. Age of first thought of religious life or priesthood: 14

5. How and Where did you first meet/hear about the Salesians? In middle school at Mary Help of Christians, Tampa Florida.

6. Who is St. John Bosco for you? St. John Bosco is a role model, friend, father and guide.

7. Why do you want to be (become) a Salesian priest? I have always loved youth ministry and I feel that is where I experience God the most in my life.

8. Why do you want to be a Salesian priest/brother and not a diocesan priest or religious of another order? I went to a lot of vocation retreats throughout high school and most of them were Diocesan retreats however, in my senior year though I went to a Salesian retreat near my house and the difference was enormous. I felt welcomed and at home with the Salesians unlike just another number for the Diocese.

9. One helpful thing from parents/family/friends in your discernment? My family and friends were always very supportive and accepting, they helped to keep me focused even when I did not want to be.

10. One obstacle/challenge in your discernment. What advice would you give to somebody who might be facing the same obstacle or challenge? At one point in my life I had to say to myself, "I am made for more than this." If you find yourself saying this, just jump. If you have felt a call to religious life and you have been delaying answering that call ask yourself if your still going to have the same feeling and call when you are 30 and married? If you think you might, whats the hurt in going to learn about your faith and growing closer to God while discerning your vocation, one way or another.

11. What is the best thing about being a Salesian for you? Family is very important to me Salesians are one giant family, no matter where I am around the world I can feel like I am home.

12. How is being a Salesian or a Salesian seminarian help you in your relationship with God? It has helped me realize that I can grow in my faith, and still have fun. I can pray by simply working for youth.

13. How has your time in the Salesian formation program helped you grow as a human being? I have spent more time in prayer and devotion to the blessed sacrament. I have become a better minister to youth, and I have found a new love for community and for the Saints that are our examples.

14. What are some of the gifts/talents that God has given you and you have been able to use in your ministry with young people? God has given me the talent of patience and that of course has been a huge help in my work with youth.

15. Since you entered the Salesian formation program, if there are some challenges, difficulties, doubts, etc, how would you deal with them? It is important to me that I bring all of these doubts, worries, and challenges straight to prayer, and when they are consistent I continue to offer it to God. But I also bring them to my spiritual confessor and director so that they can give me advice and sometimes all they have to do is listen and I feel better automatically.

Ask Greg about the most important part of his day and he'll tell you without a doubt - prayer life.