The sacristy door at St. Mary’s Cathedral had just shut after my twin brother, William, and I finished altar serving for Archbishop Sample. As seventh graders, we quickly disrobed, eager to grab a couple of maple bar donuts from the parish hall before starting a competitive game of one-on-one basketball. Before leaving, Archbishop Sample turned back and said words I have never forgotten: “I’m hearing a bird chirping in my ear, and I think one of you is going to be a priest.” I laughed, looked at my brother, and jokingly told him the priesthood would be his path, not mine.
I grew up in a deeply devoted Catholic family, and my mom worked in youth ministry for over 40 years. Throughout my life, the comment, “You should be a priest,” followed me like a shadow. I always appreciated it, but I had my own plans. One of those plans was joining the United States Army as an infantryman. During basic training, I began reading the pocket version of Wartime Prayer Book by Blessed Fulton J. Sheen and praying every night during my training. While praying, Archbishop Sample’s words continually came back to me. Although I tried to dismiss them, the feeling never went away. No matter how well I was doing, I always felt restless.
During my four years in the Army, I became a spiritual guide for many of my fellow soldiers, answering questions about God, the Catholic faith, and offering words of encouragement. I shared the Gospel while we were cold, hungry, and tired, and I saw the hope it brought to those around me. Many came to me privately about divorce, past traumas, or despair. Through those moments, I caught a glimpse of spiritual fatherhood by walking with people in pain and pointing them back to Christ. On the final days of my contract, I received notes saying, “Thank you for helping me. You saved my life because of your words.” Those comments meant more to me than any medal or accomplishment.
After returning home, I began going to confession frequently, spending time in Eucharistic adoration at St. Pius X, and praying the Rosary every day before the Blessed Sacrament. Those hours transformed my life. They gave me a deep desire not only to adore Christ in the Eucharist but one day to consecrate the Eucharist and offer the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass for His people. I began praying for the desire to do God’s will and the courage to follow His plan instead of my own.
After earning my bachelor’s degree in business while serving in the military, I received exciting job offers and a pending promotion in the Army Reserve. Yet none of them brought me the peace or sense of purpose that I felt in God’s call to serve as a Catholic priest. After years of searching for my own path, I have encountered true joy in saying yes to God’s plan for my life and bringing others closer to Jesus. I am blessed by your prayers and support.