Jacob Bruns

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Parish: St. Mary, Menomonee Falls

Seminary: St. Francis de Sales

Birthday: July 24 

Intercessor: St. Benedict of Nursia

Tell us your vocation story.

The first time I thought about the priesthood was when I was a freshman in high school. I was on a mission/service trip to Rochester, New York. On that trip, I was told that I would make a good priest. At the time that idea scared me, as I was just starting to enter my faith and practice it. Nonetheless, the idea scared me, so I ran away from that idea in high school. While I was running away from the Lord, I was having a slow but continual conversion of heart. My senior year of high school rolled around, and I was planning on going to UW-Milwaukee to study information technology. Through conversations with the Vocations Office, I was asked to move into the JPII house at St. Roberts Parish in Shorewood during my year of study at UWM. During that year, I fell in love with the holy sacrifice of the Mass and started the habit of daily prayer. Also, that winter break I attended Duc in Altum (a silent retreat at Saint Francis de Sales Seminary), and it was clear that it was the right time for me to apply to seminary.

What is the greatest challenge facing a man considering the seminary?

The greatest challenge is not having enough silence in your life.

What is your favorite Psalm verse and why?

Psalm 51 verse 1-2 “Have mercy on me, O God, according to thy steadfast love; according to thy abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” This is my favorite verse because it reminds me that I must rely on God for everything and not myself. Because without His mercy I would not be where I am today.

What are your favorite activities outside of the seminary?

My favorite activities are rock climbing, playing sports, watching good movies, and spending time on the lake.

Where do you like to go pray?

I like to pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Here at IHM, we have a beautiful chapel named after St. John Vianney that I like to go to pray.

Where do you do your best studying?

I do my best studying in the library.

Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?

St. Benedict of Nursia.