Talking with Charles Schoenlaub, it is easy to see that there is something special about him.
Engaging, funny, kind and conscientious, Charles is being called to the priesthood – a source of pride for the Lancaster Fisher Catholic High School community.
Schoenlaub shared that last year during Lent he decided to try to get really close to God and be a better Christian. Throughout Lent, he abstained from social media and other distractions, trying to be more focused on his prayer life. During this time, he started to feel more open to the call that led him to make the decision to do God’s will. He recognized that God’s will is leading him down this road of seminary.
He considers theology one of his favorite classes, driven by the study of Christ and His One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church. Specifically, he said he loves studying Church history and about saints, especially martyrs, because it’s important to hear about the adversity the Church has faced throughout its almost 2,000 years of existence and how it is still alive and thriving today.
Father Tyron Tomson, a school chaplain until the past year, has been a mentor and guide. He has helped Schoenlaub understand what a good priest is supposed to be and to one day lead his own parish to watch over as a pastor.
While Father Tomson served a mentor for the priesthood, Schoenlaub’s mother, Susan, is the catalyst behind her son’s deep faith, raising him in the Catholic faith and showing him what it means to be a good Catholic layperson while helping him deepen his faith.
The new Fisher Catholic graduate hopes to use his gifts to bring converts to faith and assist people in need, spiritually or mentally. During his high school years, he has embraced those he has met — teachers, people he has become friends with, all of whom have made Fisher the foundation for all that will come next in his life.