Father Timothy Tarnacki, a Pauline Father at the National Shrine of Our Lady of Czestochowa in Doylestown and Director of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office of Ministry With Young Adults, is featured in the latest installment of the Catholic Church of Philadelphia’s Faces of Hope series. The series highlights individuals who are making an impact within the church community.

Tarnacki recalls a pivotal moment as a teenager when he had a dream involving Pope John Paul II, who asked him, “Would it be so bad if you became a priest?” That experience coincided with attending a Christian concert where his bishop spoke about vocations. Reflecting on that night in 2005, Tarnacki said, “It was in that moment that I felt like I was able to say yes to the Lord for the first time and to the idea that he knows what’s best for me; that he has a plan for my life.”

Now serving young adults through various ministries—including marriages and religious vocations—Tarnacki draws inspiration from St. John Paul II by focusing on listening to young adults, walking with them, and building relationships. He noted signs of renewed engagement among younger Catholics: “There’s a great renewal that’s happening in the Church, especially with young adults. That gives me a lot of hope because I see how many young adults are becoming more and more radical for Christ and radical for their faith. They are becoming the real missionary disciples.”

The Faces of Hope series is designed to showcase stories not only relevant locally but also carrying broader lessons for others outside Philadelphia. More information about these stories can be found at CatholicPhilly.com.

Media interested in running videos or stories from this series or arranging interviews can contact the Archdiocese of Philadelphia’s Office for Communications.