Anthony Coci
Family: Raymond Coci & Cynthia Coci; Michael Coci & Nicholas Coci
Parish: Christ the King (Toledo)
Schooling: Christ the King; Central Catholic High School (Toledo) Loyola University Chicago and Mount Saint Mary’s Seminary of the West.

What led you to pursue the priesthood?
God asked me and I responded in kind. In the beginning, I ran away from my calling, entered the seminary twice, and the final time I stayed. I have never regretted the decision and I am the happiest I have ever been. I love the Lord.

What has the journey been like as you neared ordination?
As my journey nears ordination, I am very excited about celebrating Mass and hearing confessions.

Was there a single person who greatly influenced your decision to become a priest?
Msgr. Frank Lane

What message would you offer to those who want to serve God but do not know how?
Ask a priest or religious how you can get involved and serve.

How has being a deacon (or your practical internship) influenced the type of priest that you will be?
As a deacon, people have invited me into intimate moments of their lives at baptisms, wedding preparation, and funeral services. It has reaffirmed my calling to go deeper and take the next step into priesthood where I can serve and love the people of God in a greater capacity.

What are some of your thoughts about beginning priestly life?
I’m ready for the adventure ahead!

What advice would you offer about discerning a vocation?
Take a risk and join the seminary for a year. Duc in altum!

What will you miss most about your seminary preparation time? What will you value the most?
I will miss the brotherhood in the seminary. I value the fraternity. My biological brothers are both in the military, and I feel like my spiritual brothers in the seminary and I are in the Lord’s military to spread His word and minister to the People of God.

What types of non-church jobs have you had?
Financial advisor

What type of extracurricular activities did you enjoy in college? High school?
Fishing, hunting, playing euchre, road biking, skiing, and golfing. In high school, I played football and ran track.