Fr. Anthony Strouse: Called Through the Silence | Before The Collar Podcast — Ep. 2

In this episode of Before the Collar, Fr. Anthony Strouse, Pastor of Saint Matthew’s in the Diocese of Lansing, shares his powerful journey to the priesthood. From the quiet stirrings of a childhood calling to the deep desolation he faced in formation, Fr. Anthony’s story is a testament to perseverance, grace, and the mystery of God’s call.Whether you’re discerning a vocation, walking a path of faith, or simply curious about the real lives of priests, this honest conversation offers insight, encouragement, and hope.🔔 Subscribe for more real stories of faith, doubt, and calling on Before the CollarKey Moments:00:00 Introduction00:58 First Seeds of Vocation & Playing Mass as a Child02:00 The "American Dream" vs. God’s Plan03:50 High School: Weekday Mass and a Sister's Warning06:14 Mentors: Fr. Joe Krupp and the Reality of Priesthood08:25 Meeting Bishop Mengeling: The Decision for Seminary09:05 No Mountaintop Experience: Listening to Others11:29 Family Reactions: The Support of Parents and Siblings14:58 The Most Important Thing: Bringing the Eucharist18:00 A "Vocational Blip": Struggling with Attraction in College21:10 Introvert vs. Extrovert: Life with 100+ Seminarians22:30 Spiritual Desolation: The Dark Night in Rome24:40 Finding Mother Teresa: Shared Silence and Desolation30:40 Influential Mentors: Bishop Degrood and Msgr. Lungsford33:25 Meeting Cardinal Ratzinger (Pope Benedict XVI)36:58 Applying During the 2002 Crisis: Facing the "Warts" of the Church42:24 Evolution of Faith: From Rules to a Relationship of Trust45:15 First Mass Experiences: From "Robotic" to 2 Bishops’ Chapels51:00 Preaching Style: Lord of the Rings, Bourbon, and Country Music53:46 Common Misconceptions: We Work More Than Two Hours!57:04 Advice for Discernment: Don't Wait for a Sign01:00:30 Grace Builds on Nature: Keeping Your Hobbies01:03:15 Fr. Anthony’s Go-To Bible Verse: John 21Opening Prayer by Father Riley O’Shea from the Diocese of Lansing