Growing up in Sherwood, Oregon, as the oldest of four boys, my faith took root through my mother’s example long before I understood its depths. She was the one who first showed me what it looked like to live for God. By the time I received my First Communion, and even more so at my Confirmation, I knew that the Church would be at the center of my life.
Throughout all my years going to Mass and being involved in parish activities at St. Francis, I had no thoughts or inclinations to pursue the priesthood. I had always enjoyed my many years of altar serving and I knew the importance of the Mass, but that’s as far as my interest went. During high school I was active in youth ministry, but most of my focus was on playing lacrosse.
I enrolled at Montana State University, where I played lacrosse and majored in chemistry. The campus had an active FOCUS ministry that kept me active in my faith. Roughly one semester into school at Montana State, I began to experience the calling to the priesthood. I thought nothing of the gentle nudges I received in prayer, assuming this was normal for all male Catholics. It wasn’t until I heard Bishop Vetter, who was visiting our campus parish, give an inspirational homily centered on vocations that I explicitly wondered what God had planned for me. I started to truly consider the call to the priesthood for the first time in my life, but I quickly pushed it away because I was more concerned with playing lacrosse and my studies. It wasn’t until I took the opportunity to regularly spend time in Eucharistic Adoration that I could ask the Lord what He wanted of me and then listen. As I did, I had an image in my mind of myself as a priest holding the Eucharist during Mass. It was at that moment that I knew I was called to really discern the priesthood. I began to feel extremely confident throughout my discernment as I received continuous encouragement from my friends, family, teammates, priests, and coaches.
I completed my second year at Montana State playing lacrosse, being involved with FOCUS campus ministry, serving at the local parish, and actively discerning my vocation. With excitement and determination to say Yes to God, I applied and was accepted to continue my discernment as a seminarian.
I have trust in God’s plan to lead me in this journey. Thank you for all your prayers and support!