ARDEN — Father Adrian Porras knew since he was in the 11th grade that God was calling him to the priesthood.
Born in El Paso, Texas, he moved to Greensboro with his family at the age of 8 when his father transferred jobs.
After graduating from Page High School, he attended Brevard College and then Belmont Abbey College in Belmont during which time he was confirmed by the third bishop of Charlotte, William G. Curlin. During his time in Belmont, he majored in theology.
Father Porras then attended seminary in Washington, D.C., Bishop Curlin’s former home, receiving his Master of Divinity from the Dominican House of Studies, which is directly across the street from the Catholic University of America. He desired to serve in a religious community at that time.
“I started out as a brother for the Marians of the Immaculate Conception,” Father Porras says. “I was with the order for six years, then decided that I was being called to the diocesan priesthood.”
He served as a transitional deacon at St. Mark Church in Huntersville before his ordination to the priesthood for the Diocese of Charlotte by Bishop Curlin in December 2001 at St. Patrick Cathedral
Over the past 15 years Father Porras has served as parochial vicar of Holy Family Church in Clemmons, and pastor of St. Andrew Church in Mars Hill and Sacred Heart Mission in Burnsville. He is now pastor of St. Barnabas Church in Arden, where he has served since 2008.
“What I enjoy most about my priestly ministry is the privilege of offering the Holy Mass,” Father Porras says.
“That is the essential role of the priest. The many wonderful people that I have gotten to know for the past 15 years has also been a blessing. Ministering to them and being a part of their lives has really enhanced my ministry as a priest in many ways.”
Father Porras explains that being a pastor obviously means being a leader. “This is a role not to be taken lightly. What I take to heart is what we hear in 1 Peter 5:1-4:
‘So I exhort the presbyters among you, as a fellow presbyter and witness to the sufferings of Christ and one who has a share in the glory to be revealed. Tend the flock of God in your midst, (overseeing) not by constraint but willingly, as God would have it, not for shameful profit but eagerly. Do not lord it over those assigned to you, but be examples to the flock. And when the chief Shepherd is revealed, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.’”
He says he appreciates having had the opportunity to serve in different parish settings. “I grew up in a big suburban parish, Our Lady of Grace Church (in Greensboro), so I am used to that size of parish. I also served for four years in Mars Hill, which is in Madison County, a mainly rural setting.”
Father Porras advises young men discerning a call to the priesthood to maintain a strong personal prayer life. He offers some words of wisdom for them and for those newly ordained:
“In parish ministry, love the Mass and celebrate it with reverence, be available to the people you serve and practice what you preach. A devotion to our Blessed Mother always helps, and some wise words from a cardinal have always brought me some needed perspective: ‘Take God seriously, take your vocation seriously, but do not take yourself too seriously.’”
— SueAnn Howell, Senior reporter