Parish: St. Thomas the Apostle Parish Corcoran, Minn.

Adopted Parish: St. Pius X Parish, Appleton

Birthday: September 9

Seminary: Mundelein Seminary

Seminary Address:
1000 E. Maple Ave.
Mundelein, IL 60060

Pre-Theology I

What is the best aspect of being at a seminary?
It is a great privilege and opportunity to be here. You are surrounded constantly by fellow seminarians, faculty, and staff who are all seeking God. You have time to delve into your prayer life, and into the academic labor of forming your mind in the faith. Most importantly, the heart is conformed to the Heart of Jesus.

What do you like to do for recreation?
Any time spent in relaxing conversation with my brothers is good, but I especially enjoy competitive sports, physical exercise, reading, and listening to classical music.

Have you had any pets in your lifetime?
I only had a few fish, which died quickly. Growing up I always asked my parents if we could get a dog. My sister wanted a cat. She got her cat, but I never got my dog. It wounds me to this day (just kidding).

What do you remember most about your Confirmation?
I was confirmed in the Cathedral of St. Paul, Minn., with hundreds of young people from other parishes. It was really my first experience of the broader Church outside of my small country parish. Something of the grandeur and mystery of the sacrament was made real to me in that setting. I can still remember the feel and smell of the sacred oil on my forehead. I can definitely say I have experienced the grace of that sacrament in the years since.

What is your favorite poem?
My favorite poem is probably "The Leaden Echo and the Golden Echo" by Gerard Manley Hopkins. The flow of the syllables perfectly expresses the message of the poem. It begins with a reflection on the fleetingness of beauty and the inevitability of age and death, which leads man to a sense of despair at ever finding the happiness he desires. But then the tone quickly changes into one of exuberant joy at the new hope offered to us in Christ. This poem is a true expression of the Paschal Mystery.

What was one of the best days of your life thus far?
I would probably have to say that the day of the election of Pope Benedict XVI was among the happiest days in my life. After mourning of the loss of John Paul II, I felt a supreme sense of joy at having a shepherd again. It was another experience of the Paschal Mystery. The Church is still alive and young, and the swiftness and uniformity of the decision manifested to me the Holy Spirit’s continued guidance of the Church. I was a student at Marquette University at the time, and my excitement outmatched even my excitement at basketball games.

Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?
First, I would mention my Confirmation saint: John the Evangelist. He was the beloved disciple who reclined on Jesus' heart during the Last Supper. Second, I would mention St. Therese of Lisieux, my big sister, who dedicated her life to pray for priests. And of course, the Blessed Mother.