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Persistent thought leads to priesthood for MCC grad
Adam Sughroue believed he had a path pretty well mapped out as he left McCook High School in 2002 and headed for McCook Community College.
"I left MCC with an associate's degree in elementary education," he said. "The plan had been, up to this point, for me to continue to pursue a degree at a four-year college that would put me in the classroom."
He is still destined for the classroom, via a route few choose in this day and age.
"All through high school and at MCC, I would suddenly find myself thinking about the priesthood, just out of the blue," he said. The thought was so persistent, he finally decided he needed to pray about it and "talk to God about it."
After graduating from MCC in 2004, he changed course his sights set on attending seminary at St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward.
"I wanted to see if I could shake this impression," he explained. "The nice thing about seminary is that if you change your mind, you can leave and it's OK."
He graduated from St. Greg's in 2007 with a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a clear impression that "this was it." He left for the East Coast, where he spent the next four years studying at Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmitsburg, Maryland. "The years at the Mount really affirmed" the call and he graduated with a Master's degree in Theology. On May 28, 2010, Adam was ordained as a transitional deacon.
On Saturday, May 28, he will be ordained into the priesthood at the Cathedral of the Risen Christ in Lincoln.
At 3 p.m., Sunday, May 29, he will deliver his first Mass, the Mass of Thanksgiving at his home parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church.
"I definitely wanted to come back to St. Pat's for my first Mass," he said. "Because this community and the people at St. Pat's have been so supportive."
In fact, Adam credits his core group of friends -- friendships forged in his early years as a student at St. Patrick School -- and the influence of the priests, including the Rev. Gary Brethour, pastor at St. Patrick, with his success in discerning and following God's call. He doesn't recall anyone trying to deter or discourage him. "No one expressed any surprise at my decision," he said.
His family, including his parents Ed and Margaret Sughroue, his two brothers and his sister, his friends and former employers are all gearing up for the upcoming celebration that will follow the Mass. Adam worked at Sehnert's Bakery and Bieroc Cafe, Brown Shoe Fit and a farmer while he attended school in McCook. He won't know until after his ordination where the Bishop will send him.
"All I know is that I will be serving the people of God wherever the bishop, guided by the Holy Spirit, sends me.
"I love this area and know I'll be happy anywhere."
Adam will serve in the Lincoln diocese, which is basically positioned south of the Platte River across the breadth of the state.
"Four years on the coast showed me that there's no place like small town Nebraska," Adam said with a grin. "The coast was interesting and I'm glad I had the experience, but it is great to be home."
Wherever he serves it will be as an assistant pastor and teaching religion in a Catholic high school.
While still wrestling with the decision, Adam said, "Fr. Brethour told me, you'll still be teaching. And I will."