During this Year for Priests, the Diocese of Raleigh is presenting a “Did You Know” feature of Priests serving in the Diocese. As new profiles are added, such as the one below, the previous ones will be available on the Year for Priests page.

Father Ned Shlesinger
Diocesan Director of Vocations

Who is your favorite saint?

The Blessed Mother is my favorite. I also admire St. Joseph, Saint Therese of Lisieux, Saint Bernard of Clairvaux (my patron), Saint Ignatius of Loyola and St. Francis of Assisi

What was your most memorable spiritual pilgrimage?

Every retreat that I made has been a spiritual pilgrimage. My favorite site - Lourdes, France.

Who was the greatest influence on your vocation as a priest and why?

The example of my parents.

Do you have a hobby or hobbies or leisure activity?

I enjoy hiking and sports – golf.

What is your favorite food? Do you cook it yourself?

Steak and a baked potato and salad. I am not a great cook but can grill.

Favorite sport? Favorite team – College and/or Professional?

Football. I root for my alma mater, Virginia Tech and for the Washington Redskins.

Favorite author and/or book?

Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities

Favorite movie?

Ben Hur

Music you enjoy/artist?

All kinds, especially the Beatles and the Eagles.

Any interesting fact that your parishioners would be interested in knowing?

I was a Pilot in the Air Force before I was a priest and flew C-130 Hercules transports.