Thoughts on Priesthood:

I think that the priesthood is an amazing way for a man to devote his life to the service of man and God. The meaning of the word "Minister" denotes the relationship of a slave to a master in the sense of voluntarily being at the service of all. The priesthood is not a job but who you are in relation to God and how He uniquely calls you to know him, love him, and serve him.

Why I want to be a Priest:

We live in a broken world in need of much healing and the truth of Jesus Christ. I want to help spread that message to as many people as I can. I also want to be involved with the sacraments, particularly reconciliation and Eucharist. It doesn't take long to recognize the pain of the world around us. The sacraments are God's prescription for this pain.

Hobbies & Interests:

Racquetball, Reading, Hanging out with friends, Fishing, Camping.

Tell us about your family as you grew up and when you started thinking about being a priest:

My family always went to Mass on Sundays and on holy days of obligation. We prayed before meals and when I was younger my mom would help me pray before bed.

I started thinking about the priesthood in kindergarten due to the wonderful influence and example of my parish priest: Fr. Ed Tiedemann. My sense of having a priestly vocation waned in grade school as thoughts of becoming a doctor or lawyer entered the realm of possibilities and waned even more as I discovered how wonderful and beautiful women were during my middle school and high school years. The possibility of having a priestly vocation came back to me in my early 20s as my faith-life deepened. This desire has not faded.

What inspires you about the priesthood?

As I noted with Fr. Tiedemann, I am inspired by the example of those who have gone before me. I don't want to be a clone of the priests I admire, but I do desire to live out my vocational calling uniquely and authentically in who I am. I find their example encouraging as I know that the priesthood (like any vocation) is difficult but worthwhile. I want to be able to help people with their struggles and share in their moments of joy. I want to bring people to God. I long to open the door for others to Our Lord and follow Him wherever He leads me.

Who have been your hero's and what has been your influences?

My heroes have been priests like Fr. Bill Baer and Fr. Michael Becker (my rectors at seminary), my spiritual director Fr. Mike Anderson, my grandfathers Wayne Hiveley and Kenny Pies for their work ethic and dedication, my coach and teacher Ron Hamel for pushing me so hard in academics and cross country, and my parents Denise and Steve Hiveley for the loving way they raised my sister and me. Every one of these people live seemingly ordinary lives, but take a deeper look and you'll realize that there is so much more there.