Called to the Brotherhood
By Br. Bill Hanna, SDB
My name is Brother William “Bill” Hanna,SDB. I am a Salesian Brother of St. John Bosco assigned to St. Petersburg Catholic High School, located in St. Petersburg, Florida. During my forty-two years as a Salesian, I have been very fortunate to know many saintly people, both religious and lay, that have supported me in my vocation through good times and some rough times.
As a Salesian Brother, I live in a community with other Salesians, priest and brothers, working for the students of St. Petersburg Catholic High School. My specific role is working in the Physical Education department as well as the Athletic Department. My primary responsibility is as a teacher first, and then as Assistant Athletic Director. These roles really allow me to get to know the students in both a formal and informal setting. As someone who is actively involved in the life of the students at St. Petersburg Catholic High School, it is at times a struggle to achieve a balance between work and prayer. It is extremely important to be with the students and to let them see that I enjoy being with them, but also to let them see that prayer, both community and personal, is also a priority in my life. This consecrated life is what separates me from what a layperson does. Consecrated life is something that has to be lived, accepting God’s call to a life of prayer and service. This is the fuel that keeps me going day in and day out.
The most rewarding part of my ministry is having the privilege to work with and for the young people of our school and to do this with my fellow Salesians and dedicated laymen and women. It really gives me a sense of optimism for our world to see the generosity and holiness of young people today. We do not hear about it too often, but it is there. It is real and it is a force for good.
Today’s Church can be served in many different ways. For someone thinking about a religious vocation, I would suggest that they begin to develop a strong prayer life and a generous spirit, and to find a good spiritual director. Be open, be prayerful and be happy; trust in the Lord because He is calling you and you are responding to His invitation.
In closing I would be remiss without a word of thanks to all the great Salesians and lay people, living and deceased, that have inspired me, challenged me and encouraged me in my journey to Jesus through Mary.
As a Salesian Brother, I live in a community with other Salesians, priest and brothers, working for the students of St. Petersburg Catholic High School. My specific role is working in the Physical Education department as well as the Athletic Department. My primary responsibility is as a teacher first, and then as Assistant Athletic Director. These roles really allow me to get to know the students in both a formal and informal setting. As someone who is actively involved in the life of the students at St. Petersburg Catholic High School, it is at times a struggle to achieve a balance between work and prayer. It is extremely important to be with the students and to let them see that I enjoy being with them, but also to let them see that prayer, both community and personal, is also a priority in my life. This consecrated life is what separates me from what a layperson does. Consecrated life is something that has to be lived, accepting God’s call to a life of prayer and service. This is the fuel that keeps me going day in and day out.
The most rewarding part of my ministry is having the privilege to work with and for the young people of our school and to do this with my fellow Salesians and dedicated laymen and women. It really gives me a sense of optimism for our world to see the generosity and holiness of young people today. We do not hear about it too often, but it is there. It is real and it is a force for good.
Today’s Church can be served in many different ways. For someone thinking about a religious vocation, I would suggest that they begin to develop a strong prayer life and a generous spirit, and to find a good spiritual director. Be open, be prayerful and be happy; trust in the Lord because He is calling you and you are responding to His invitation.
In closing I would be remiss without a word of thanks to all the great Salesians and lay people, living and deceased, that have inspired me, challenged me and encouraged me in my journey to Jesus through Mary.
