Bishop Earl Boyea: Smashed Bread, Dating, and the Priesthood | Before the Collar Podcast – Ep. 4

From childhood curiosity to a lifelong calling, Bishop Boyea’s journey to the priesthood wasn’t written in lightning bolts — it was whispered through faith, family, and the quiet moments where God’s voice spoke loudest.In this episode of Before the Collar, Bishop Boyea shares how early seeds of faith were planted during his First Communion at age seven. He recounts the "financial miracle" involving a General Motors award for a battery strap suggestion that provided the exact tuition needed for him to enter high school seminary. From "practicing" mass with his siblings using smashed bread to the challenges of dating and taking three girls to prom while discerning his path, his story reminds us that vocation is a series of small yeses that lead to the biggest one of all.🔔 Subscribe for more real stories of faith, doubt, and calling on Before the CollarKey Moments:00:00 - Introduction00:45 - Early Call at Age 701:40 - Playing Mass with "Smashed Bread"02:50 - The Act of God for Tuition05:13 - Family Reaction and Upbringing07:15 - Struggles with Homesickness08:35 - Life in the High School Seminary09:35 - Strict Rules and "Grand Silence"11:25 - Misconceptions About Loneliness13:10 - Dating Rules and Honest Relationships16:05 - Perspective on Leadership and Integrity18:00 - A Lifetime of Learning and Education19:10 - The "Imperfect" Nature of the Priesthood21:00 - Advice for Discerning Men and Parents23:10 - Go-to Bible Verses (Revelation & Psalm 31)Opening Prayer by Father Riley O’Shea from the Diocese of Lansing