Matthew Rosenheimer

​​Discipleship I

Parish: St. Frances Cabrini, West Bend

Seminary: Saint Francis de Sales

Birthday: August 23  

Intercessor: 

Tell us your vocation story.

I grew up in a Catholic home but never felt a call to the priesthood as I was growing up. I went to college at Concordia University Wisconsin (CUW) and received a bachelor’s degree in accounting. I started working as an accounting intern with Commerce State Bank (CSB) and then received a full-time position as a commercial credit analyst after graduation. I decided to go back to CUW to get my MBA in management. At the time I graduated with my MBA, Summit Credit Union (SCU) acquired CSB; the acquisition allowed me the opportunity to become an assistant manager. Prior to the promotion, I was my faith was not primary in my life. I decided that since I would be leading others, I needed to grow in my faith. I added a weekly holy hour to my life, joined a men’s group at my church, and started to attend Mass more than once a week. Eventually, some people started asking me if I had thought about the priesthood. I prayed with the question but never heard a response. My parish priest encouraged the congregation to pray the Preparation for Total Consecration to Jesus Christ Though Mary according to St. Louis de Montfort. During the consecration, I felt the Lord was calling me to seminary; that was confirmed when the homily on the day of consecration discussed vocations to the priesthood. I reached out to the Vocation Director and moved into a discernment house prior to being accepted into seminary.

 

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

The greatest challenge facing a man considering the seminary is knowing whether the Lord is calling him to seminary. The choice to attend seminary requires a huge sacrifice on the man’s part because his life in seminary will be different from a life in the secular world. Most seminarians don’t know if the Lord is calling them, requiring them to take a leap of faith. Some men discover the Lord is calling them to the priesthood, while others find out they are being called to a different vocation. Any time men who discern out spend at seminary will help them better live out whatever vocation the Lord is calling them. 

 

What is your favorite Psalm verse and why?

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10 is my favorite psalm verse. The verse helped me after my mom passed away a few years ago.

 

What are your favorite activities outside of the seminary?

My favorite activity outside of seminary is running. I also enjoy watching Wisconsin sports teams (Packers, Bucks, Brewers, Badgers, and Marquette) and hanging out with other seminarians.

 

Where do you like to go to pray?

The two places I like to pray are the chapel and my room.

 

Where do you do your best studying?

I perform my best studying in my room.

 

Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?

I would ask people to pray to St. Joseph to intercede for my vocation.