Describe yourself:
What best describes me is a fisherman. Most often if you can’t catch me in the chapel, I’m on the
water fishing.
Tell us your vocation story:
Our Lady played a pivitol role in my discerning and entering the seminary. After graduating high school I decided to go to Ave Maria University in Florida. Though
I met very good friends at Ave Maria, my heart did not rest in staying there for all four years of
my college career. After just one semester I decided that I wanted to transfer, and so I left.
During Christmas break I had no idea where I was going to go for school. It was either St.
Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota or St. Norbert College in De Pere, Wisconsin. My
parents preferred me to go to St. Mary’s, while was leaning to go to St. Norbert. To level the
playing field my parents told me that if I went to St. Mary’s I could have the car, and if I went to
St. Norbert I wouldn’t get the car. So naturally I decided to go St. Mary’s.
While at St. Mary’s I fell deeply in love with Christ, not that I didn’t love Him before, but
I encountered Christ in a more intimate way while at St. Mary’s. Going into my sophomore year
I was alive in Christ and wanted to follow His plan for me, whatever that may be.
In pursuit of what God may have in store for me I decided to do a Marian Consecration
that was written by Fr Michael Gaitley, named 33 Days to Morning Glory . At the beginning of
the consecration I had no intention of becoming a diocesan priest, but rather becoming a friar.
During this consecration, I planned on visiting the friars that I had inquired with. On that visit,
even though I thought it was great, my heart did not rest. My visit was in Milwaukee, and I knew
that I could not become a friar, so I decided to text Fr Luke Strand. We met with each other
during that same weekend. After talking to him about my situation, he said, “Bill, it sounds like
you want to join the seminary.” I said, “Yeah, I think so too.”
In God’s plan it worked out that I would receive the application for Immaculate Heart of
Mary Seminary right after finishing the Marian consecration prayer. The whole purpose of
Marian consecration is to live in the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and now I am living at the
Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary. With going to Ave Maria University, then to St. Mary’s
University, and now to Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary, I now say that I went from the
prayer, to the person, and now to the heart of Mary.
What is the greatest challenge facing a man considering the seminary?
I’d say the greatest challenge for a man considering seminary is giving up former dispositions
that were formed by secular society.
What is your favorite psalm verse and why?
Psalm 32:10 “Many are the sorrows of the wicked one, but mercy surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.” Jesus floods His faithful with
love and forgiveness from His pierced heart everyday, this brings me great joy and immense comfort. All I need to do is trust in Him.
What are your favorite activities outside of the seminary?
I enjoy playing basketball, golfing, fishing, and disc golfing.
Where do you like to go to pray?
I enjoy praying at St John Vianney Chapel of Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary.
Where do you do your best studying?
I find myself studying best in the library on campus.
Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?
Please ask for Mary’s intercession, as well as St. John Paul II and St. Maximilian Kolbe.