Bryce Evans, a junior in the College of Arts & Sciences, has been called by God.

His job now, he says, is to determine which vocation God has called him to. He is one of about 10 Marquette students who are thinking about becoming a priest.

But Bryce, a theology major, said he has not always considered the priesthood. His mother, Debbie Evans, said she remembered her son being "very busy" in high school, playing hockey, joining band and editing the yearbook.

In fact, Bryce said, he arrived at Marquette with plans to be an engineer.

But when Bryce first considered the priesthood, it was no surprise to his mother, his father, Basel Evans, or his sister Marissa Evans, a high school senior, Debbie Evans said.

Bryce was happy to learn he was not alone in his vocational discernment.

"I found out there were other normal guys who were discerning," he said, which gave him extra support to determine his calling.

To Bryce, the priesthood would reflect his special relationship with God.

"It's a call to give of yourself in a very, very special way," he said. "Ultimately, it's a response to the infinite love of God I've found in Christ and his gift of himself to me."

However, Bryce recognizes he would have to sacrifice the possibility of marriage.

But the priesthood "isn't about being asexual," he said. "It's a gift of love to God."

His discussions with priests have been fruitful. He said the priests told him their lives were "a sacrifice, but a life of great joy."

If Evans does decide to become a priest, he could either be a diocesan priest or a religious order priest. He said he has not yet decided which path interests him most.

Even with the support and encouragement to become a priest, Bryce, like many college students, is not yet sure what his future career will be.

"I don't know what exactly God wants me to be," he said. Because of that, he prays often to help him recognize his call.

Bryce is the president of the St. Robert Bellarmine Society, a Catholic group which discusses controversial or misunderstood Catholic teachings, and he participates in Eucharistic Adoration. He lives with five other students in a "Catholic household," meaning the members of the house agree to live in accord with Church teachings.

If he doesn't become a priest, it shouldn't be viewed in a bad light, according to the Rev. Will Prospero, assistant director of University Ministry, who has known Bryce for two years.

"Many great guys don't have a vocation" to the priesthood, Prospero said.

Being a priest isn't easy. Although there isn't an official list of personality traits prospective priests should have, candidates for priesthood, and priests themselves, need a variety of qualities, Prospero said.

"They have to have a spiritual life and be committed in faith," Prospero said. Respect for the Eucharist and Mass is just as important.

Openness, compassion for all people and the ability to stand for your beliefs are other requirements, according to Prospero.

"Can (a priest) speak the tough truth even when he is opposed?" he said.

Those who know Bryce agree that he possesses those important qualities.

"He would be an awesome priest," said Matt Bruce, Bryce's roommate and College of Arts & Sciences senior.

"He would approach (the priesthood) with a sincere heart and seek to do God's will in all things," Bruce said.

Tom Jensen, a junior in the College of Health Sciences and Bryce's roommate, said he was "approachable."

"That would help in the confessional," Jensen said.

Debbie Evans said it was important for people to trust their priest, and Bryce would earn the trust of all he met.

"There's a gentle nature about him," she said. "He's very comfortable to talk to."

Most important, however, is for Bryce to keep his mind open to God's will.

"If it's God's will, and he's open (to the priesthood), good things will happen," Prospero said.