Edward G. Rama

Age: 49
Place of Birth: Flushing, NY
Home Parish:  Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Wayne, NJ
Seminary / Year of Study: Blessed John XXIII National Seminary (Third Year of Theology)
Degree(s):  (BA) in Philosophy; Minor in Theology, St. John’s Univ., Jamaica, NY 
Work Experience: Project Manager for 12 years at an engineering firm. 14 years self-employed at a cabinetmaking business.
Interests:  Skiing, golfing, walking and listening to classical music

Vocation History

I have been drawn to the Sacramental life of the church. For more than 15 years, I have made daily mass the center of my life. There is only one thing in life that I feel could bring me more joy than attending daily mass and receiving our Lord Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist and that would be saying mass every day as a priest. I have ministered in the Church as a lector, extraordinary minister and teacher of religious education for several years; but I have always had this feeling that God was calling me to something more. Through years of prayer and years of spiritual direction, I have been able to discern God’s call to the priesthood. I remember sitting next to my father on his deathbed and telling him for the first time that I felt God’s call to the priesthood; it was a special moment to be able to share my joy with him. It is a great gift to be called to the priesthood, yet the gift is a mystery. You must place all your trust in the Lord knowing that His Will always leads to the greatest joy in life. The way to the priesthood may not be clear or easy, but God’s call is irrevocable and he will continue to pursue you. You must remain open to Him because he will not force his invitation upon you, rather He delights when you take a step forward towards Him – that’s what’s needed if you’re serious about discerning God’s call.