There’s nothing quite like a good vocation story. Sometimes, when you least expect it, your spiritual cell phone rings and you’re astonished to find that God is on the line. He can call when you least expect it.

Case in point: an Indianapolis paper has a nifty little interview with a widower who has embarked on a second career — as a Catholic priest:

Father Kevin Morris of Plainfield’s St. Susanna Catholic Church never planned to be a priest.

For 10 years, he lived with his wife, Carol, on Indianapolis’ Eastside and worked as an accountant at JennAir. But Carol lost her battle with ovarian cancer in 1990, and Morris, now 51, felt a call to switch professions.

Now Morris leads a fast-growing church and Catholic school in Plainfield and sometimes is still surprised to find himself part of the priesthood.

Question: Why did you feel called to the priesthood?
Answer: Weird things happen. I was sitting in church one day, and I wasn’t in the mood to be there and I didn’t want to be there, when suddenly I had the feeling that Christ was here. I thought he said to me, “Kevin, you’re sitting on the sidelines. It’s time to get in the game.” I was afraid to turn sideways because I thought Christ was sitting right there.

Q: What do you think your wife would say if she knew you were a priest?
A: I think she would be supportive. But I could picture her rolling her eyes at me. “You’re a priest? Sure.” That’s what she would say. I still see my in-laws fairly often, and they’re very supportive. We didn’t have any children, but I married up; there’s no doubt about that.

Q: How did you arrive at St. Susanna?
A. I was assigned here by the Archdiocese of Indianapolis. After I was ordained in 1997, I spent two years in Richmond as an associate priest. I’ve been here eight years and right now will stay until July 1, 2011. You serve one six-year term and have an option to stay for another six years, which is what I did.

Q: How has being an accountant helped you lead the church?
A: It’s interesting because I spend a lot more time looking at budgets and balance sheets and things than I thought you would. Since I have a background in that, it’s not difficult. I thought there would be more sacramental time, but being the administrator of the parish and school takes more time than I thought it would.

Q: What is it like to lead the church in celebrating Mass on Sundays?
A: I hear people in the church who are asked to do things say, “I’m not worthy to do that.” Well, who do you think is standing behind the altar? It’s neat to see all of the people when I’m standing up there. We’re all in this together, and I’m just the one who’s been chosen to stand in front.

Q: What are some special moments in your job?
A: It’s the distribution of sacraments. Sacraments happen at important moments in people’s lives: christenings, marriages and the anointing of the sick, which used be called last rites. To be there with people during those important moments is a neat thing. I’m a “cradle Catholic,” been Catholic all of my life, so I’ve been around priests and thought they’re just normal people. But when I walk into a hospital room, people tell me they feel a presence there that I’m not aware of.

Q: How hard is it to come up with topics for the homily?
A: That all depends. Sometimes I’m walking up the aisle and I’m thinking, “OK, Lord, I need an idea pretty quick.” Other times I’ll know by Tuesday afternoon.

Q: Do you spend a lot of time interacting with parishioners?
A: Constantly. I had three appointments today (Wednesday) and I’ve got a couple more yet this afternoon. Last night I got stopped three times just walking across the church parking lot. A lot of times it’s not like a formal thing, though people do make appointments.

Q: What do “second career” priests such as you mean for the church? Is the church recruiting people like you?
A: Yes, they’re doing that very much so. Almost everyone coming through now is doing it as a second career thing. Second-career priests have got a little more experience in life.

Q: What are some major issues facing the Catholic Church?
A: The priest shortage is huge. I also think part of the problem is the leadership is ultraconservative and it doesn’t seem to be that way with the rank and file. Not that I necessarily disagree with them, but I think the leadership worries more about things regular people don’t worry about.

Q: You work 60 to 72 hours a week. What do you do when you’re not working?
A: I’ve got season tickets for the Colts. I’ve always been a fan of spectator sports. I’m also suffering through Notre Dame’s season as well. I go to Indians games as well. People know that if I have a weekend off, I’m in a stadium somewhere.

You can visit the good Father’s parish at their website.