Isaac Laucky has always found his foundation in the Catholic faith. His home was one where love for the Church, the sacraments and service were daily realities — not just traditions. Though now joyfully entering seminary formation, Isaac’s path to discerning the priesthood wasn’t straightforward
“For years, I believed God was calling me to heal through medicine,” Isaac, 24, reflects. “Since seventh grade, I had dreamed of becoming a pathologist. I followed that calling through college — earning strong grades, conducting research, working summers in the hospital lab and even assisting the head pathologist on multiple projects. I poured myself into that journey. ”Yet something deeper stirred within his heart.
“I’ve always had a desire to serve,” he shares. “As a kid, I was always around the Church — altar serving, lectoring, ushering and helping those with special needs at Mass. But as I advanced in my scientific studies, something changed. Even as I achieved academic success, I felt an emptiness. The joy I once found in my research had faded. The moments that truly fulfilled me were the ones where I was growing in faith, praying and learning more about the Church.”
This restlessness was not without meaning — it was the gentle voice of Christ, inviting him to something greater.
“For over a decade, I volunteered at a soup kitchen called Glad Meals, serving every month. It was simple, humble work, but it brought peace. Then, during my junior year of high school, I toured the Pontifical College Josephinum. That day planted a seed in my soul. I didn’t know it at the time, but it was the Holy Spirit whispering the possibility of priesthood.”
During a gap year after college, as he continued discerning medical school, Isaac entered into deeper prayer, frequent Mass and Eucharistic adoration. It was in that sacred silence that he heard God's call more clearly.
“Without all the noise — without screens, busyness and distractions — I could finally hear him. And God was inviting me not just to serve the body, but to tend to souls.”
That’s when Isaac said yes.
Today, he finds profound peace in answering that call to priestly formation. When he’s not studying or in prayer, he enjoys the beauty of God’s creation, especially spending time outdoors with his family in Traverse City.
Isaac is the youngest child of Radek and Leanne Laucky, parishioners of St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Traverse City.
Looking back, he sees God’s hand guiding him all along. “Serving the Church has helped me deepen my prayer life and love for others. Through it, I’ve fallen in love with the mission of the Church — to be Christ’s hands and heart in the world.”
He gives thanks for the spiritual mentors who’ve accompanied him: Father Michael Lingaur, Father Ken Stachnik and Father Benjamin Rexroat. “These priests have shown me that the Church is alive — a vibrant community with Christ at its center. Their joy in serving God’s people made me realize that true happiness comes when you give your life fully to him.”
And to those discerning their path, Isaac offers this message of hope: “God will meet you exactly where you are. I was so busy chasing my dream of medicine that I wasn’t listening to his dream for me. But when I finally became still, I heard his voice. God is always speaking — but we have to be quiet enough to listen.”
