College III (Discipleship Stage)
St. John Paul II Seminary
The Catholic University of America
Cathedral of Saint Thomas More Parish
What did you do prior to entering seminary?
Before entering seminary I graduated from Bishop O'Connell High School. I played tennis for my high school team, and I worked as a tennis instructor during the summer.
What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?
For a while my plan was to do what I wanted to do before seriously discerning priesthood. I thought I should have a job, girlfriend, or college degree, and if that didn't work I could do what the Lord was calling me to. I realized that if the Lord was calling me to priesthood I shouldn't spend my time doing things contrary to His will. With this in mind, I began to pray for my vocation and in December of my senior year I applied to seminary.
Why do you want to be a priest?
Being surrounded by priests through altar serving gave me a new appreciation. Altar serving helped me take a priestly vocation seriously. I had a newfound attraction to the priesthood, as a vocation of heroism and adventure. At times, the call to priesthood feels deeply rooted in my identity. If priesthood is what I am made for, I trust it will fulfill me.
What are your favorite pastimes?
I enjoy waterskiing, reading, and playing spikeball. Unfortunately most of my favorite activities are contingent on hot weather. If I had the choice I would want it to be 80° F all the time.
What is your favorite quote?
“When I hesitate to act in some situations, I ask Love. It advises best.” - Saint Faustina Kowalska
Who is your favorite Saint and why?
My favorite Saint is St. Tarcisius. When I was a child my mother would read me stories about the lives of the Saints. When she read me the story of Tarcisius I was captivated by his heroism. Tarcisius was a 12-year-old acolyte during Roman persecution against Christians. Tarcisius heroically volunteered to secretly bring the Eucharist to prisoners. On his way to the prison with the Eucharist pressed against chest, a group of boys questioned what he was hiding. In fear that the boys would defile the Body of Christ, Tarcisius refused to show them. The boys formed a mob and beat him to death. Tarcisius would rather die than give up his Lord.
What advice would you give to a young person thinking about their vocation?
Do not be afraid or indifferent to the possibility of priesthood or religious life. Trust that the Lord has a plan for you, and that His plan is good.
