Tell us your vocation story.
I started discerning the priesthood in 2018 when I was an intern at St. Paul’s Catholic Student Center in Madison WI. While I was there, I decided that it was not the right time to enter the seminary. I felt called, but I did not feel ready to go to the seminary; so, I pushed that thought aside. I applied for a position with FOCUS and a Mechanical Engineering Internship with Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL. I got both positions, and through much prayer I decided that I had peace with the decision to start my career as an engineer at Disney. While there I struggled with prayer at first, which was something I did not struggle with as an intern at St. Paul’s in Madison, WI. I noticed this, so I decided that I needed to get involved with a Catholic community in Florida. At Sunday mass in the middle of summer I learned that the parish I was going to (Holy Family in Orlando, FL) needed youth ministers. I applied for the volunteering position and got it. Over the course of the yearlong internship in FL I grew in prayer, made a lot of friends that were youth ministers with me, and sat down with God. One evening in adoration after our weekly youth night, I sat down with our Lord. As I sat there with our Lord a peaceful and welcoming feeling overcame me slowly throughout the time of prayer. Towards the end of my prayer, I knew it was time to discern the priesthood again. I could not push Him away any longer. The rest is history, and I have not looked back since.
What is the greatest challenge facing a man considering the seminary?
A great challenge of mine is not listening to the lies of the world. For a long time, I thought that if I went to the seminary my friends and family would not support me in my decision. Another lie is that in going to the seminary you will lose all your holy desires, passions, and personality. Our Lord chooses imperfect vessels for a reason, He chooses all sorts of different men for the mission so that He may show the many facets of His love!
What is your favorite Psalm verse and why?
Psalm 23:1 This Psalm has always been something that brings me peace in any time of strife. I know The Lord is with me, and He will not allow me to go astray.
What are your favorite activities outside of the seminary?
Soccer, singing, art, biking, kayaking, camping, hiking, card games, puzzles, and fishing.
Where do you like to go to pray?
A chapel or on a lake.
Where do you do your best studying?
In a library or with a study group.
Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?
St. Therese of Lisieux.