Looking back, he first heard the calling to the priesthood at the age of 12, but it took a while for him to begin discerning his vocation.

“I felt invited into a deeper relationship with Jesus. Through the positive example and encouragement of many people in my life, I saw that life with Christ is a life of joy, and I wanted that same joy for myself,” Deacon McNaughton said.

One of his most memorable moments was also a very difficult time on his journey to the priesthood. He had been in seminary for a year and had just arrived at his first summer assignment when he was overcome with doubts.

“That first day, I experienced real desolation and doubt about this call. But I had learned a principle from St. Ignatius of Loyola: In times of spiritual desolation, do not make major changes. I stayed, prayed and leaned on the support and prayers of family, friends and mentors,” he said.

Deacon McNaughton looks forward to the high, lows and ordinary moments of life as a priest. “These are all expressions of the priest’s love for God and for the church as a spiritual father,” he said.