Thoughts on Priesthood:

The priesthood is vital today. Without the priest, there is no Eucharist and there is no forgiveness of sins through sacramental Confession. Sure, the priesthood is tough, but what, I ask you, is worth doing that isn't tough? The priest follows the example of Jesus Christ in laying down his life for his sheep. He brings God to the people and the people to God. It is an amazing gift, the holy priesthood. A lot of times I think, young men simply don't consider a vocation to the priesthood. They just say, "That's not for me," without giving it a second thought. At one time, I did the same thing, but God kept tugging on my heart. He knows what will bring me my ultimate joy, what he has created me to be. It's only in following that call that I will find the joy he so desires to give me.

Why I want to be a Priest:

I want to become a priest because I love Jesus Christ, and his bride, the Catholic Church. I love the Eucharist and I desire to lead others to that same love. The biggest reason I want to become a priest though, is because it's the priest who leads souls to God, primarily through the sacraments. What a privilege God grants to his priests to be able to be with someone and to hear his last confession, give him Holy Communion for the last time, anoint him, and give him the apostolic pardon, and thus lead this soul to heaven.

Hobbies & Interests:

I enjoy playing sports, reading, and just spending time with my friends and family. Right now, I'm especially into skiing. How can you not be while going to school in Colorado?

Influence:

I would identify two primary influences on my decision to enter the priesthood. The first, is our late Holy Father, Pope John Paul II. The second, was my associate pastor my sophomore year in college, Fr. Peter Mitchell.