College I
St. John Paul II Seminary
The Catholic University of America
All Saints Parish
What did you do prior to entering seminary?
I recently graduated from St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School. While going to school, I ran cross country, led a trivia club and a Bible study, became an Eagle Scout, and worked as a server at Red Lobster. Being an altar server is probably the most relevant experience I have for the seminary and the priesthood.
What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?
There were two things in particular that pushed me to apply to seminary. The first was the Quo Vadis Camp which I attended between junior and senior years of high school. It was the first time I met many of the seminarians, and it opened my eyes to the entire concept of college seminary, the seminarian life (including their prayer life), and the idea of applying to seminary. We also prayed the Liturgy of the Hours, a whole rich aspect of the faith I hadn’t known before.
The second was World Youth Day in Lisbon later that same summer. Spending such time in prayer and adoration helped me discern God's call for me and convicted me to apply to seminary.
Why do you want to be a priest?
Simply put, the priesthood is where I feel called. When my serious discernment began, I wasn't sure if I wanted to be a priest, but as I spent more and more time praying to desire God's will for me, the priesthood started seeming cooler and cooler. Now, there's no job I'd rather want. The part of priesthood I desire most is the consecration of the Eucharist.
What are your favorite pastimes?
I love to play music in my room, specifically on my cello. I like creating games and writing stories, sometimes dabbling in the realm of mini-movies. I also like tennis, biking, movies, and videogames.
What is your favorite quote?
"There is some good in this world... and it's worth fighting for." -Sam Gamgee
Who is your favorite Saint and why?
There are three that really stand out to me: St. John Bosco, St. Augustine, and St. John Paul the Great. Don Bosco is my Confirmation saint, because he inspires me to use my gifts and humor for spreading the Gospel. St. Augustine, one of the Church's most brilliant minds, had a long spiritual journey; I can look to him in times of desolation. St. John Paul the Great, aside from being a smart and amazing guy, has been the patron of my past two schools, so he has a big role in my life as a model of holiness.
What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?
As much as I hated to hear "you'll know when the time comes," it rings true. Patience was difficult when waiting for an answer in discernment. The most important part is keeping up a solid prayer life, spending more time in the chapel or in adoration. And, of course, the book "To Save a Thousand Souls" by Fr. Brannen is a must-read for discerners.
Any other fun facts for people to know about you?
I once ran an ice cream stand, and in middle school I published a kids book on space ("Our Super Solar System").
