Misery came in accounting, leading to his joyful call

By 
  • April 13, 2011

What he once thought would be a miserable way to live life is what Allyn Rose has chosen to do with his: become a priest. He will be ordained next month for the archdiocese of Toronto. (Photo courtesy of the archdiocese of Toronto)When Allyn Rose was younger, he was always under the impression that life as a priest would be miserable.

That thinking changed so much over the years that now he is about to enter the priesthood.

Born in Orangeville, Ont., Rose was the middle of three children. He studied accounting at Sheridan College and the University of Windsor. All along, however, Rose volunteered in various capacities, including youth ministry, at St. Timothy’s parish in his hometown.

“Over time I was finding more happiness and fulfilment working as a volunteer in parish ministries,” said Rose, “and I was even more miserable working for a good salary at the chartered accountant firm.”

It wasn’t long after this realization that Rose was fired from his job.

“I came into the office the day after I was let go and all of my former co-workers were worried about what they would say to me when I arrived,” said Rose. “They were relieved when I came in with a big smile on my face.”

He was finally able to tell them something he’d been hiding from them for a long time: that he wanted to become a Catholic priest.

On May 14, 2011, Rose will be ordained a priest at St. Michael’s Cathedral for the archdiocese of Toronto.

Call to Service:

A Catholic Register Special Section


April 13, 2011
- Couple’s married life has been one of service
- Elena Orrico’s efforts helped make St. Rita celebrations possible
- Evangelical counsels today are more relevant than ever
- Seminarians must exercise Christ’s authority in priesthood
- Chalice roadshow aims to raise interest in vocations
- RCIA program reminds co-ordinator of the power of faith
- Sisters of Providence mark 150 years of service to the poor
- Building a culture of peace after 500 years of colonization
- Sr. Ongo survives the seas to make dream come true
- Polish Oblate becomes one with people of the north

St. Augustine's Seminary graduate series
- Passion was for the Lord, not an engineering career
- A decade of ignoring his call was wiped out in one Confession
- Parents ground him in faith
- Pain leads to path to formation
- Misery came in accounting, leading to his joyful call
- Kusyk’s call to serve was first heard at age 13
- With patience, Asch finds his calling
- A return to Poland ‘saved’ seminarian’s vocation