HOLY NAME OF JESUS
HOUSE OF FORMATION
2589 S. Webster Ave.
Green Bay, WI 54301-2951

Kairos Year

BIRTHDAY
March 11

PARISH
Holy Cross Parish, Kaukauna

INTERCESSOR
Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati.
Known as the “man of the
beatitudes,” Frassati was a
vibrant and joyful young adult
that lived “in the world” but
“not of the world,” radically
devoting himself to prayer, the
poor, and sharing the Gospel.

What is your favorite hobby?
If it involves physical exercise outdoors, especially hiking or biking, I am in! I
love any opportunity to enjoy God’s creation, clear my mind, and sweat.

What is your favorite liturgical season?
Every year when Lent comes around my first thought is “oh boy ...” Despite
the spiritual challenges of Lent, I love the opportunity to go out into the
desert with Jesus, to refocus, and to recommit. In the end, there is great joy
and hope knowing that Easter awaits.

Who is your confirmation saint? Why did you choose him?
I chose King David as my confirmation saint not only because his entire story
is incredible, but also because he was so raw and real. He demonstrates great
strength and courage when he battles Goliath, yet also shows his own weakness
with Bathsheba. Through his many trials and triumphs, he continues to be a
“man after God’s own heart” which is beautifully reflected in the Psalms.

Who taught you to pray?
As a never-ending journey with many ups and downs, I think it is best to
attribute what I have learned to the Church. Beginning with the domestic
church, my parents laid a beautiful foundation for my prayer life. That
foundation has been built upon by numerous family members, priests, and
other members of the Church. Personal prayer, the rosary, lectio divina, Mass,
contemplative, and numerous other forms of prayer have all deepened my
relationship with God in different ways at different times. If I have learned
anything about prayer, it is that I still have a lot to learn.

What gives you the most joy at this point in your formation?
I find incredible joy when experiencing Christ with other people. Whether
it is the holy Mass, a retreat, or simply a late-night conversation, there is
something special about the body of Christ and the many different people
that are part of it. In today’s world so many people feel alone and isolated.
Our journey of faith should not be alone! So much beauty exists in being fully
present to other people and walking toward Christ together. We need people
to challenge us, hold us accountable, and inspire us.
I love hearing other people’s stories about how they have encountered Christ
and how he has changed their life. When we do not share these stories, so
many opportunities are missed. The world needs all of us, and the Church
needs all of us. So much love, hope, and joy exist when we make time for God
and make time for others. We just have to be willing to look up and reach out.

How do you view a priest’s relationship to St. Joseph?
While many Catholics, priests especially, have a devotion to Mary, a devotion
to St. Joseph in a way “completes” the Holy Family. We are provided not
only with a loving mother in Mary but also a courageous father who fully
experienced our humanness. We see reflected in the Holy Family a perfect
model for our families here on earth. We also see in St. Joseph a model
of a man who loved and led the Holy Family as they all grew closer to the
heavenly Father. He loved both Mary and Jesus in an authentic and chaste
manner. Through his love for Mary and Jesus, he demonstrates how we
can love others in a pure and beautiful way. He also led the Holy Family by
offering protection, trusting in God, and modeling for Jesus what it means to
be a man and to work hard. In the same way, Joseph can lead us toward the
Father and share his intimate knowledge of Jesus with us.
When I think about Joseph as a model for priests, I see a man who loved,
sacrificed, and continuously laid down his life for others. He had an incredible
mission and accomplished it humbly and faithfully. All priests should strive to
be more like St. Joseph and seek his intercession.