Thoughts on Priesthood:

The priest is to become an alter Christus, another Christ.  Five of the seven Sacraments require a priest, including the BLESSED SACRAMENT, the source, center, and summit of the Christian life.  As far as a ministerial priest conforms himself to the one true High Priest Jesus Christ, he has succeeded, in so far as he does not, he has failed.  As Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen said, "The priest is not his own."  His time does not belong to himself but to the men, women, and children of the Church.  He must become a devoted servant to the people of God, a victim as his divine Master was.  He must have a burning love for Christ and for souls.  He must be a man with a profound prayer life and a deep love for the depth, beauty, and majesty of the Catholic faith as taught by the Magisterium.  He must be prepared to engage the culture of death with caritas and veritas (love and truth).  The Good News of the Gospels rings out like a clear bell; he must not quiet that bell.  He must be a man of great joy being overwhelmed by the beauty of creation and knowledge of Christ.  He must be able to celebrate his parishioners' highs and console their lows. Christ has endowed His priesthood with great power and responsibility.  It does not take much research to see how good, holy priests renew the life of the Church and how unfaithful, evil priests drain it.

Why I want to be a Priest:

There is only one reason a man should want to be a Catholic priest, which is if Jesus Christ is calling him to be one.  I believe I may have this call.  I want to serve my Lord and His people.

Hobbies & Interests:

Reading, playing guitar, exercising, outdoors activities, football, studying philosophy, theology, history, and politics.

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

I come from a large Irish Catholic family on my mother's side and a large German Catholic family on my father's side.  I had a very loving childhood living on a farm in rural Iowa.  I have been blessed with four beautiful younger sisters, each one remaining the apple of my eye.  It was very clear in our household that God and family are the two most important things in life, and weekly Mass attendance was (and still is) mandatory.  The modern culture's "war on the family" causes my heart deep remorse because I have such a wonderful family, and I believe everyone should be as blessed as I am.  My first thought of the priesthood came to me when I was younger, perhaps the age of 7-8.  However, I did not authentically begin discerning the call until a radical reversion to the faith at the age of 20 (Unfortunately, I had lapsed for a few years in my teens.)

What inspires you about the priesthood?

All the holy priests whom have served the Church throughout the years.  I am humbled and inspired by their witness.  Like them, I want to get to Heaven and take as many souls with me as I can.

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

Our Lord Jesus Christ, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen, Dr. Peter Kreeft, St. Don Bosco, G.K Chesterton, C.S. Lewis.  My personal influences have been my mother, my family and friends, solid Catholic priests and lay people, and the brilliant history department faculty at Briar Cliff University..