I sensed a call to the priesthood sometime around fifth grade, while I was an altar boy at my parish church. God blessed me with great experiences of priests all of my life. It was at this time, while serving Holy Mass, that I wondered if I would one day be doing the same thing. This idea was confirmed when for the first time I attended the seminary Vocations Mass on the Feast of Saint Joseph. I cannot explain it, but there was something in the air that gave me a great sense of peace and joy, and it wasn’t just the smoke from the incense! During that evening, I came to realize that I was where I needed to be—God wanted me to surrender everything so that I could come to the seminary and prepare for a life of priestly service. By the time college came around, I could no longer put the idea on the backburner. When God calls, we must respond immediately. And so I made a difficult decision; I made the decision to give up a possibly successful, future career in business administration, along with the comfort of being with my family, along with the security of making a steady income. I gave all of these up because they are nothing in comparison to Jesus Christ! In discovering my vocation I found true peace and joy, which can only come from the Lord Himself. He tells us, ‘my yoke is easy and my burden is light,’ (Mt. 11:30).

God-willing, as a priest, I look forward to bringing Christ to the lives of all. The priest does this by offering the sacraments, preaching, and teaching our Catholic faith. I particularly look forward to administering the mercy and peace of God in Confession and offering the greatest form worship, the sacrifice of the Mass, through which Christ is literally made present for our salvation. I pray that God will grant me the grace to be a faithful priest and a true missionary, as the apostles. Pray for me as I will for you!"