Parish: St. Mary Parish, Menasha
Birthday: May 9
Seminary: St. Francis de Sales Seminary
Seminary Address: 
3257 S. Lake
Drive, St. Francis, WI
53235-3702

What kinds of toppings do you like on your pizza?
Now that I have a dairy allergy, sadly I do not eat pizza anymore. However, when I was younger, I only liked pepperoni on pizza.

What is one skill people would be surprised you have?
When it comes to learning a new musical instrument, I tend to progress quickly. I think I have a skill or aptitude for learning how to play instruments. Unfortunately, I do not have much of a drive to consistently play. I currently dabble in playing the piano and the mandolin.

If you had a talk show, who would be your first guest?
As talk show host, my first guest would be Fr. Tom Long, if he would accept. He was my spiritual director before my return to seminary and helped me discern my call to study for the Diocese of Green Bay. He possesses much wisdom, so he would be a great first guest. I would like to interview him in thanksgiving for his priesthood and in appreciation for his ministry.

What is your favorite line from a Eucharistic prayer?
During Eucharistic Prayer IV, the priest says, “... and grant in your loving kindness to all who partake of this one Bread and one Chalice that … they may truly become a living sacrifice in Christ to the praise of your glory.” Jesus offered his life for us, and that great sacrifice is re-presented to us. When I receive the Eucharist, I become one with Jesus and thus am called to make my life a living sacrifice. For daily reflection, what sacrifice have I made for the glory of God? How am I living as an image of Christ?

How would you advise someone who wanted to deepen their love of the Eucharist?
Certain devotional practices help deepen our love for the Eucharist. The Eucharist is a gift, the greatest gift, but not a surprise gift (as long as we have faith). This means that we can prepare to receive the gift of the Eucharist. We can grow in our amazement of who we receive at Mass. One particular devotion to prepare and to deepen our love for the Eucharist is Eucharistic Adoration, especially when the Eucharist is exposed. In “Sacramentum Caritatis,” Pope Benedict XVI stated, “The act of adoration outside Mass prolongs and intensifies all that takes place during the liturgical celebration itself. Indeed, ‘only in adoration can a profound and genuine reception mature’” (66). Spending time with our Lord in adoration prepares our hearts and souls to receive him in an intimate way in the Eucharist. Adoration helps us place Christ at the center of our lives and to yearn more to receive him in the Eucharist.

When you envision yourself celebrating Mass one day as a priest, what do you imagine will be going through your mind and heart?
I imagine that I will feel a sense of gratitude for being an instrument of Christ to offer the gift of the Eucharist to the faithful. I would be awestruck and full of joy at what is happening. Through my hands and with the words spoken to change the bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ would be amazing! At the same time, I feel there would be a sense of unworthiness and gravity. There would be a responsibility to ensure my mind is fully present to follow the ritual closely with all seriousness to ensure consecration (so that we are truly receiving Christ’s Body and Blood).
I would hope that at my first Mass, known as a Mass of Thanksgiving, I am composed, but I could see myself becoming emotional. I have been preparing for and pursuing the priesthood for twenty years, which has taken much patience and perseverance. Being a priest has been a dream for a long time. Therefore, I would be joyful and thankful celebrating the Mass as a priest. In my heart, I hope for a continued and profound sense of intimacy with Jesus and a sustained state of gratefulness at being called to this vocation.
Whether celebrating Mass as a priest or attending Mass as a lay person, I would feel blessed: “Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.” Whatever state in life, how blessed am I to receive the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Which saint should people invoke for your vocation?
As I move closer to the transitional diaconate, please invoke St. Stephen, the first martyr and patron of
deacons. I am inspired by St. Stephen’s service as deacon and courage to bear witness to Christ.