Deacon Christopher Brock: ‘A deep sense of gratitude’ about being called to serve
Home parish: St. Vincent de Paul Church, Charlotte
Birthplace: Woodstock, Va.
Birthday: Jan. 11, 1997
Raised in: Charlotte, N.C.
Family: Parents – Stephen and Susan Brock; siblings - Mary, Michael, Isaac, Sebastian, Felicity, Peter, Timothy
College: St. Joseph College Seminary
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy, Belmont Abbey College
Theology: Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, Cincinnati, Ohio
Summer assignments in the diocese: Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, Immaculate Conception Church in Hendersonville, Our Lady of Grace Church in Greensboro
CNH: What are some of your interests/hobbies?
Deacon Brock: Playing piano and guitar, reading
CNH: Any comments to the people of the Diocese of Charlotte about becoming a transitional deacon here?
Deacon Brock: I am very excited to begin ministry as a transitional deacon here in the Diocese of Charlotte. Being a deacon will allow me to serve the people of God in new ways, and I am looking forward to seeing how God will use me to serve His Church during my time as a deacon.
CNH: When did you first hear the call to a vocation to the priesthood?
Deacon Brock: Being a priest was something I was attracted towards ever since I was a boy. However, it was in high school that I began to really take the possibility of a vocation seriously. The Quo Vadis Days retreat( a discernment camp in the diocese), which I attended for multiple summers, played a huge role in my discernment, and being an altar server played an important role as well.
CNH: Who did you first talk to about your vocation?
Deacon Brock: I especially talked with priests at the Quo Vadis Days retreat, as well as my parents.
CNH: What type of feedback or advice did you get from them?
Deacon Brock: My parents were always very supportive of me as I discerned the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood. The priests I spoke to gave me very helpful advice to guide me in my discernment process.
CNH: How did you go about discerning where you felt called to explore your possible vocation?
Deacon Brock: Time spent in prayer, especially in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, was instrumental in my discernment. Asking for advice from trusted priests was also very beneficial.
CNH: Tell us about what you have been doing as part of your discernment process
Deacon Brock: The most important thing is certainly daily time spent in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament. As I move toward ordination, reflecting on my vocational journey and the way the Lord has led me throughout my whole life, and especially in seminary, gives me a deep sense of gratitude and strengthens my belief that I am indeed called to serve as a priest.
CNH: What advice do you have for a young man discerning a call to the priesthood?
Deacon Brock: I would say that the most beneficial thing you can do is to deepen your relationship with Jesus Christ as much as possible. Time spent in prayer, especially in Eucharistic Adoration, is incredibly helpful. Also, do not be afraid to reach out to a trusted priest for advice.
CNH: What do you think has helped you the most to discern God’s will for your vocation?
Deacon Brock: Consistent time spent in prayer has certainly been the most helpful thing. I also think that spending time serving in a parish, whenever possible, is a great way to discern. I have generally found a great deal of peace and joy when I am in a parish setting, and this strengthens my belief that I am called to the priesthood.