The Serra Club is working with The Catholic Miscellany to provide a series of profiles on the Diocese of Charleston’s seminarians.
Deacon Michael Cellars is currently in his last year of priestly formation at St. Mary’s Seminary in Houston, Texas. He is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood on July 10 at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist in Charleston.
How did you discern the direction of your vocation?
I was fortunate to witness many priests from my childhood and young adulthood who lived joy-filled lives and were devoted to something so much bigger than what the world offered. Being able to get to know and speak with them inspired me to follow the path that God has called me to for a long time.
What are your skills and talents that you bring to your vocation?
I consider myself a blue-collar type of person. I like working with and building up people so that they may reach the goals that are before them. Our ultimate goal is to make it to heaven, so I want to help as many as possible live a good and holy life so that they may achieve this fundamental goal.
What is a typical day for you?
Seminary life is structured around four pillars of formation: spiritual, intellectual, human and pastoral. I wake at 6 a.m. for private prayer and a cup of coffee. Then, at 7:30 a.m., I participate in community morning prayer. Breakfast is next and morning classes go until 11:30 a.m. After Mass is lunch and then continued classes until 5:45 p.m., when the community gathers for evening prayer and dinner. After dinner, there is time to relax and finish studies or to do other activities.
When you were around 10 years old, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I loved sports and wanted to be a professional baseball player like Dale Murphy (past winner of the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award).
What publications do you regularly read?
The Miscellany!
What is the pastime that you are happiest doing?
I enjoy cooking with family and friends.
What are some causes you care about?
I care about race relations and the prevention of youth violence, child abuse, bullying, and sex trafficking.
Name three words that describe you?
Friendly. Blunt. Caring.
What do you want people to remember you for?
I would like to be remembered as someone who brings people closer to Jesus and isn’t afraid to stand up for what is right.
What would you say would be your personal motto?
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves.” Philippians 2:3.
The Serra Club of Charleston is a member of the USA branch of Serra International with the goal of nurturing vocations around the world. For more information, email Debra Dinolfo at debdinolfo@gmail.com.
