Father Zelden Finds Peace in Answering God's Call to Priesthood

Father Josh Zelden’s long and winding path to the priesthood has given him practical and spiritual gifts that will help him accompany people who are struggling with their lives.

Bishop Michael G. Duca ordained Father Zelden and Father Huy Tran to the priesthood on June 14 at St. Joseph Cathedral.

Father Zelden, 49, was born in Metairie, and his family moved to Baton Rouge before the start of his third-grade year. Educated in Catholic Schools, Zelden attended St. Benilde in Metairie, then Most Blessed Sacrament School and Catholic High School, both in Baton Rouge.

After graduating from CHS Father Zelden attended Thomas More College of Liberal Arts in Merrimack, New Hampshire, which he said was a formative part of his life experiences.

“This is a tiny traditional Catholic liberal arts college,” said Father Zelden. “It was an amazing experience. There were lots of reading of western civilization works … all the famous works from Greeks – Plato, Aristotle, and various playwrights up to contemporary authors, such Toni Morrison and William Faulkner.”

During Father Zelden’s sophomore year, he and his classmates spent a semester in Rome. 

“Taking in the beauty and grandeur of Rome and the Catholic Church and the Vatican was a life-changing experience,” said Father Zelden.

During that semester, one of the theology teachers, who was from Louisiana, noticed that Father Zelden was a conscientious and good student. He asked Father Zelden if he had ever considered being a priest. He thought that the priest was being friendly and appreciating his efforts and politely answered, “Oh, sure father. Thank you for asking.” But he pushed the question aside.
Top right photo: Bishop G. Duca anoints Father Zelden’s hands for the duties of priesthood. Photos by Abry Larryison | Director, Office of Digital Media Diocese of Baton Rouge
Above photo: Father Zelden blesses Bishop Duca“I had a desire to get married, start a family, get a good job, which meant therefore the priesthood was not an option,” said Father Zelden.Life then happened, according to Father Zelden: law school at LSU; a brief marriage and a beautiful daughter, divorce, annulment, and 20 years practicing law.

After his divorce, Father Zelden became involved in St. Aloysius Church in Baton Rouge. Thoughts of pursuing a priestly vocation that he had put on the back burner were kindling.

He began working with Father David Dawson in the OCIA Program. At the time Father Dawson was looking at eventually becoming a priest. The two had several things in common, including the fact that they were single fathers of daughters. Father Zelden also started hanging out with some priests and thoughts about the priesthood were back on his radar again.

Father Josh was dating a woman, and they were talking about marriage when things didn’t work out. He then started giving the priesthood some serious thought. That desire was refueled when he attended and became a team member of ACTS retreats.
At that time Father Dawson was in seminary studying to be a priest, and he invited Father Zelden to visit him at the seminary.

“I had a tremendous sense of peace, energy, and confirmation that this is where I should be – in the seminary,” Father Zelden said.

After he was accepted into the seminary, Father Zelden was initially concerned about giving up his life as a lawyer, having money and a house, and more freedom. But when he stepped onto campus, he had a sense of peace and confirmation.

“I love academics,” said Father Zelden. “I loved to read and think about the great works. And I loved theology and philosophy and jumping into all the academics …. And I was surprised how much I really enjoyed the brotherhood of these fine young men who were likeminded, learning to grow in virtue and discern the priesthood. It was a beautiful community.”

Father Zelden was in his early 40s when he entered seminary while most of the seminarians were in their mid-20s. He said the best advice he was given was, “Don’t try to be a father figure to these men. You’re not their father. But don’t hesitate to be their big brother.”

“And that was a good template to follow, because I had some life experiences to share and advice to share, but I’m not going to give it like a dad. (I thought) I’m going to be organic and available when I’m called upon. That was a good balanced approach, a kind of big brother vibe.”

Father Zelden is excited about being assigned as parochial vicar at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Baton Rouge, where he spent his priestly internship as a transitional deacon.

“It’s a beautiful, vibrant parish. The sacraments are so alive, and the participation and holiness of the people is evident. The perpetual adoration chapel sets the tone. And Father Cleo Milano (pastor) has been a fantastic mentor, who obviously loves his flock and wants to take care of them. It’s been a beautiful thing to watch that and see how it’s done.”

Father Zelden said he will use his real-life experiences to relate to people with their everyday problems.

One thing Father Zelden does not want to do as a priest is be a mediocre priest. He wants to live out his vocation with a strong sense of purpose and passion.

“I knew the church has these beautiful tools and gifts of the sacraments, and I couldn't give it to them. And it really gave me a desire and a hunger of and a gratitude for being able to celebrate and offer those to those who need them,” said Zelden