Thoughts on Priesthood:

The priesthood is not a job, but a lifelong vocation that has both joys and struggles. Those called to the priesthood are called to a life of service-- serving Christ's body, the Church. It is through the Church that we come to know the teachings and life of Jesus Christ. As representatives of the Church, priests must be a role model for all of God's people and live what they preach. John 3:30 says that "He must increase. I must decrease." Priests are called to continuously give their life over to Christ, so that Christ can relive His mysteries of love again through His priests.

Some people are hindered in their priesthood discernment because they do not feel that they are worthy. The truth is that none of us are worthy, but God has given each of us a unique set of gifts and talents. He is calling each of us to use them to praise Him in our own way. If you are resisting a priestly vocation because you do not think that you have what it takes, do not be afraid. We are temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 3:16). It is not the priest who ministers, but the Spirit of Christ that ministers through His priest. If you are struggling with your vocation (religious or non-religious), look for the ways that the Holy Spirit is working through you and around you.

Why I want to be a Priest:

The times in my life that I have been happiest and most at peace have been the times that I have been closest to Christ. His love for me has healed me in times of pain and difficulty, and it is pray and conversation with Him that helps me get through the struggles of daily life. God has infinite love for His children, and I want to help people see how God is laboring to love us through the Holy Spirit everyday. As a priest, I can help people recognize this love through various forms of ministry, but most especially through the administration of the Sacraments. By helping people recognize God's love, I hope to bring them peace and strength in the struggles of daily life.

Hobbies & Interests:

I like to exercise in my free time. I play basketball, sand volleyball, and racquetball. I also spend some time on cardio machines and on nice days go for walks around town. I enjoy watching movies, hanging out with friends, and playing Sudoku. I am also interested in genealogy and do some research from time to time.

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

I first started thinking about my vocation when I was a little kid. I often wondered what my purpose in life was. I knew God was calling me to a special vocation. I guess you could say I had a 'gut feeling'. Although I was too introverted and bashful to discuss a priestly vocation with anyone, my family helped me in my discernment by showing me that they would support me in whatever I chose to do with my life. They taught me my faith through the example they set by living their faith.

What inspires you about the priesthood?:

I am inspired to be a priest because of the ways that God utilizes priests as instruments of the Holy Spirit to bring His people into a deeper and more intimate relationship with Him.

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

One of the largest influences in my life vocation has been my family. They taught me my faith by serving as living examples, and have been there for me in the best and worst times of my life. Another large influence has been the staff of St. Stephen the Witness Catholic Student Center at UNI. They challenged me to grow in my faith, reduced my anxieties of a priestly vocation, and helped me grow in my understanding of what it means to minister in the Church.