When I was in high school (15 years old), I just said to myself one day that I want to be a priest. I wanted to be a lot of things, an architect especially. However, that idea of the priesthood hit me hard. I didn't know what to do with that, but I never let go of the thought. Then on one regular routine morning at Cardinal Hayes, during his opening announcements, Msgr. Graham dropped me a line. He said, "There is a retreat taking place this weekend for those who have an interest in the priesthood. If anyone is interested please meet me in front of the auditorium after homeroom for more details." I followed blindly, not knowing what I was getting into. Every time I hear the Gospel story of the call of Matthew, it reminds me of myself. Matthew got up and followed Christ immediately after the call. Did he know what he was getting into?

Anyway, I attended the retreat. It must've opened up something in my heart, because after high school I decided to apply to the college seminary (St. John Neumann Residence). As a youngster I knew little if anything at all of “the call.” As a seminarian I began to understand that call; I began (only began) to understand the true nature of the priesthood. And as I continue to grow in prayer and study, as I continue to grow in love for God, as I continue to be molded by His grace, I am ever learning in a deeper sense of those things of which I didn't know as a child. God is calling me...to be a priest.”