During his college years, John Anthony Hutta II was on a retreat in Loretto when one of the Franciscan Friars of the Third Order Regular told the Tamaqua Area High School graduate that “God was calling him.”

Hutta, now 29, didn’t think much of it at the time, saying he had too many skeletons in his closet.

“Jesus put those behind you,” the friar told Hutta, “and he’s telling you to come follow him.”

On Saturday, that prophecy comes true as Hutta will be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Allentown at 10:30 a.m. during a ceremony that is open to the public. The ceremony will take place at Cathedral of Saint Catherine of Siena in Allentown.

“It’s been a long seven years, but I haven’t regretted a day since entering the seminary,” Hutta said during the week leading up to his ordination. “I feel so humbled. You don’t realize how many people are praying for you. I’ve been reminiscing over the past few weeks and each turn I made has been a steppingstone, not toward my goal, but toward teaching me the lesson of my life.”

After high school, Hutta graduated from Alvernia University in 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy. At St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Philadelphia, he earned a master of divinity degree in theology.

He will be the first Tamaqua Area High School graduate to be ordained a Catholic priest in over 50 years, the first from Sacred Heart Parish in Palmerton in 27 years and only the ninth from Carbon County since 1981.

Hutta is proud of his roots and hopes he can influence more locals to enter the priesthood.

“I have coal dust in my lungs, and I’m proud of that,” Hutta said. “I’ll never forget where I came from. It breaks my heart when there are not enough priests and churches need to close. I still believe there are vocations in this area. Priesthood is a great life. You’re never alone. I will have 3,000 children to care for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.”

While a Tamaqua high school student, Hutta got involved with youth groups and began to pray more consistently. Though he initially sought to be a doctor or a scientist, Hutta met with seminarians and priests who he said, “truly loved Jesus Christ and lived their lives for him.”

“A lot of prayer got me here today and a number of priests who greatly influenced my life,” Hutta said.

Hutta’s home parish was SS. Cyril and Methodius in Coaldale, a place he said fostered many things in his life. When it closed, however, he briefly turned away from the Catholic church.

“I was hurt,” Hutta said. “I didn’t trust the diocese because of all the churches that were closing.”

It was around that time that the Rev. William Campion, who Hutta had confided in, was moving to Sacred Heart in Palmerton. After Hutta visited the parish, he quickly felt at home.

“It wasn’t solely because Father Campion was there, it was the people,” Hutta said. “They didn’t know me, but they welcomed me with open arms. I have been blessed ever since with their kindness and generosity and prayers. The way they took me in with open arms is how all churches should be.”

It won’t be until Saturday when Bishop Alfred Schlert hands Hutta a white envelope that he will know his first assignment as a priest. Wherever that place may be, Hutta said he aims to teach, provide, protect and love his spiritual family.

“I’ve been praying every day asking God to send me where he needs me,” Hutta said. “Saturday isn’t about punching my ticket, it’s about offering myself totally to follow Jesus. This is just the beginning, a new book, a new chapter. I will be a father in sharing in the Fatherhood of God and I know I can’t lose sight of that wonderful gift.”

Hutta has a full weekend on tap. Today, Sacred Heart, located on Lafayette Avenue, will be the site of a Holy hour from 6-7 p.m., during which Hutta said he and anyone who chooses to attend will pray for vocations.

Bishop Schlert will administer the Sacrament of holy orders Saturday, while celebrating the Rite for Ordination to the Priesthood and configure Hutta to the person of Christ.

Bishop Emeritus of Allentown Edward Cullen will be the principal concelebrant. Priests for the Diocese of Allentown and the Archdiocese of Philadelphia will be concelebrants.

On Sunday, Hutta will return to Palmerton, where his first Mass will be celebrated at 4 p.m. at Sacred Heart.