Tell us your vocation story:
My call has really been there my whole life; I just didn’t realize it or kept ignoring it. I grew up in the Church and remember mimicking the priest during Mass. I went to middle school, didn’t think about it, and got into some hard times personally and spiritually. When I started coming back from those troubles, I got more involved with my parish and youth group, started feeling the call again, and went to the Wisconsin Catholic Youth Rally. The next year I volunteered with the Rally, and had the feeling confirmed by a group of my peers. I went on some Seminary camps which deepened my conviction a bit, but I wasn’t ready to decide on seminary yet, so I went off to college at UW-Platteville to study engineering. While there, I got even more involved with the church, and at the start of sophomore year felt that I wasn’t where I was supposed to be, and that I should apply to the seminary. I did, got accepted, and have started on my next, and most exciting adventure of my life.
What is the greatest challenge facing a man considering the seminary?
The greatest challenge is going against the culture today of selfishness and fear of commitment. The only thing the culture today is worried about is what I can do for myself, and how I can keep myself open to whatever I want, whenever I want it, but that is the opposite of what the priesthood calls us to. We can never be truly happy if we only care about ourselves and doing whatever, whenever, because that leads to emptiness and an endless chase. Overcoming what people believe now, and the misunderstanding when you tell them you feel called will be tricky, but nothing is more rewarding than knowing you are doing God’s will and will be truly happy for life.
What is your favorite Psalm verse and why?
Psalm 91, because it speaks to our need to have trust in God to protect, and to the overwhelming power of God to overcome anything that would prevent us from doing His will.
What are your favorite activities outside of the seminary?
I enjoy doing a lot, especially sports, swimming, pool, and video and computer games. I also enjoy sitting and discussing philosophy, especially about books, and spending time with friends and family.
Where do you like to go to pray?
I enjoy praying in the chapel, because being before Jesus in the Blessed Sacrament always makes me feel closer to Him in prayer. Or being out in nature, where I’m alone, it’s quiet, and I can appreciate God in nature and silence.
Where do you do your best studying?
I do my best studying in my room or the lounge spaces in the academic buildings, where I can immerse myself if I want, but can also take breaks easily.
Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?
Please pray to St. Thomas Aquinas for perseverance and success in my studies, and to St. Joseph that I may strive to become as good a man, and father, as he was.