I grew up in the Suwanee/Cumming area and went to St John Bosco Academy for most of my life. I’m the 5th of 8 kids, and my parents are Tom and Diane. Like most kids from big families, I spent my childhood playing with my siblings, whether that was through sports, LEGOS, or video games. In addi2on to my 2me at Bosco, my family regularly attended Mass during the week, resul2ng in a strong Catholic forma2on. We’ve jumped between parishes throughout my life, but are currently parishioners at St. Monica’s in Duluth.

I enjoy playing sports, working out, watching movies, bonfires, lake days and quality to me with family and friends. Also, this summer has provided a lot of spiritual growth for me, in which I’ve begun to really enjoy prayer, which is not something I could have said 6 months ago.

One piece of scripture that has come up repeatedly in recent months is at the Wedding of Cana where Mary tells the server, “Do whatever he tells you.” Apart from taking this as a light amidst my discernment, I’ve learned that this moment also begins Christ’s countdown to his crucifixion. Mary urges Christ to replenish the wine, in which his true identity will be revealed through this miracle. Despite this, Mary does not hesitate or withhold her Son from the work of the Father, which is the same disposition that we must have in our relationship with Him.

While I don’t have a particular devotion to either, I really admire St. Padre Pio and St. JPII. I remember learning about Padre Pio as a kid and being amazed about the stories of his stigmata, levitation, and bilocation. He immediately became this seemingly impossible standard to live up to, but still remained an inspiration to me of the intensity that the spiritual life can be lived. As for JPII, I really admire the humanity with which he lived his priesthood. Without allowing them to detract from his ministry, he still had his own interests as an outdoorsman, which I believe is a beautiful thing.

Since high school, I knew that I didn’t want to settle for a 9-5 job after college. I felt a strong urge to do something different and set apart. For a while, that took the form of the military and I became dead set on that as a career choice. However,  to me slowly revealed to me that this desire was more self-motivated and I couldn’t justify the decision. I then realized that my desires could be met by the priesthood in a different, yet more complete, way. However, I ran from the idea because it wasn’t something I’d ever thought that I’d want for myself. It wasn’t until my relationship with my ex-girlfriend became serious that God provided another “calling” moment, in which I made the decision to pursue seminary.

I’m about to begin my Propaedeutic year.

The spiritual fatherhood that I’ve heard many priests testify to. I’ve heard frequently about the ways that the Lord fulfills the desire for fatherhood through the priestly ministry. Also, the intimate experience of bringing Christ to others by the sacraments or other forms of ministry. This world is starving for love and spiritual nourishment, so to be that bridge between the Lord and someone else would be incredible.

I’d say two things. First, it’s easy to underestimate a “sign”. Looking back on my life so far, most of the moments where I’ve felt called wouldn’t raise most people’s eyebrows. It’s easy to think that God will make it abundantly clear if you’re called. However, in my experience, he did just enough to catch my attention and then leave the decision up to me, which leads me to my Archdiocese of Atlanta Vocations Office. Second piece of advice. Nothing bad ever happens when you go out on a limb for God. At best, you discover what He’s truly calling you to. At worst, you demonstrate your trust in Him and discover an alternate path that He’s calling you to.