Propaedeutic Year
Mount St. Mary's Seminary
University of Virginia
St. John the Evangelist Parish
What did you do prior to entering seminary?
I recently finished 4 years as a FOCUS missionary, serving at UMass and UConn.
What influenced your decision to apply for seminary entrance?
For most of my life, I would tell others, myself and God Himself that I trusted Him, that I would move and respond to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. I became a more faithful Catholic in high school, college, and even became a full time missionary on college campuses. The smaller yes’s gave me the grace to respond when I heard the Lord inviting me to apply to seminary. I knew it was another invitation to trust Him and I know He’ll guide me.
Why do you want to be a priest?
Throughout my search for happiness in some of the wrong places, I know that only Jesus satisfies. People need to hear the Gospel! I desire to be used by Him in whatever way He calls me.
What are your favorite pastimes?
My friends know this all too well, but I have a pastime of picking up new interests and hobbies all of the time. Some of the ones that never go away are traveling, just being with friends, reading and playing sports (especially pickleball). I’m sure that list will grow soon.
What is your favorite quote?
I don’t have a particularly favorite quote but I’ve grown closer to St. Therese of Lisieux recently and her Story of a Soul is enriching. I’ll share a couple of my favorite quotes from her: “To limit your desires and your hopes is to misunderstand God’s infinite goodness!” and “Holiness consists simply in doing God’s will, and being just what God wants us to be.” There’s much depth here and I’m still discovering the richness of both quotes.
Who is your favorite Saint and why?
St. Joseph. He is the man I desire to be and yet his life is a big mystery. The Church holds him in regard as the second-highest saint and all we know is he responded to the Lord’s invitations and was a good husband/father. Holiness is found right there and that still confounds me. I desire his life of virtue.
What advice would you give to a young man thinking about the seminary?
Stop thinking about the future and be with God in the present for this is where He dwells. Trust that He will be with you in your discernment and talk with Him plainly. He is your Dad, loves you unconditionally and is on your side!
