I grew up in Lawrenceville and attended St. Lawrence from the time I was little until after I graduated college. After college, I moved to Oakland, Nebraska, to teach band to students in 5th-12th grade. While there, I attended St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Lyons, Nebraska. I have two younger brothers, Brandon and Chandler, as well as my parents, Charlie and Mary Jo. All four of them have been instrumental in my formation not only as a seminarian, but as a good Catholic man and teacher.

I love playing my instrument in my spare time. I am classically trained, so I enjoy getting to escape and make music. I am also an avid sports fan. I love cheering on my St. Louis Cardinals and Blues, as well as watching Nebraska volleyball and Georgia football. Lastly, I enjoy playing video games. I have been a Pokémon fan ever since I was little and still find enjoyment in playing today!

My favorite scripture passage is from 1 Peter 5:8-9. This scripture says “Stay vigilant and alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, solid in your faith.” I love this passage because it is a good reminder to always keep Christ at the center of my life in all that I say and do.

My favorite saints are Saint Lawrence and Saint Cecilia. I admire St. Lawrence because of his courage in martyrdom, overflowing with so much joy in dying for the Lord that he could joke with his executioners as he was being tortured. I admire St. Cecilia because she is a martyr and the patron saint of musicians, and I always have asked for her intercession for me when I would perform in a concert or play piano at church!

I first heard the call to the priesthood when I was in high school. When I applied, I was initially turned away, and I went off to pursue music education. When that happened, I thought that my chances of becoming a priest were gone. However, after a few years of teaching, I came back to Georgia one summer and heard a talk given by one of the seminarians. I again heard the call to the priesthood, and I am so happy that I answered God’s call. I am grateful to all the clergy and laity that helped me get back on the track to the priesthood!

I will be entering the Propaedeutic stage of formation, which is relatively new for seminarians. This will be my first year as a seminarian, and I am so excited for all that I will learn during this stage! This year has a higher emphasis on service and community life through formation and growth in spiritual, human, and pastoral dimensions.

I am most looking forward to using my skills as a teacher to bring those who are far from God to know and love Him, especially those who have skepticism and doubt. I have always had a heart of service and fidelity, and I hope to serve God through the priestly ministry one day.

My advice to others thinking about a vocation to the religious life is to take a leap of faith! You will never know the answer unless you give God the chance to work in you through the formation process. Also, seek spiritual counsel to point you in the right direction. Spend lots of time in front of Our Lord through Adoration and listen to what he is telling you.