Parish: Holy Cross Parish, Kaukauna
Birthday: March 11
Seminary: Pontifical North American College
00120 Vatican City State, Europe
Mailing Address: W2541 County Rd JJ
Kaukauna, WI 54130-9329

What kinds of toppings do you like on your pizza?
The more meat, the better, but my parents also taught me to like my veggies. It would not be unusual for me to order a vegetarian pizza and add meat.

What is one skill people would be surprised you have?
Baking sourdough bread is more of a science experiment than a skill, but it does take love and care. I really enjoy the process, but even more than the process I enjoy eating it and sharing it with the people that I love.

If you had a talk show, who would be your first guest?
I would love to ask Mary, the mother of Jesus, “What was it like?” I would love to hear about the Annunciation, raising Jesus, watching him die, being a part of the early Church, receiving Jesus in the Eucharist ... I have so many questions, and I know that the interview would change the world because Mary always leads to Jesus. 

What is your favorite line from a Eucharistic prayer?
“This is my body.” These simple words change everything. In the incarnation, God takes on a human body. Then he offers that body as a sacrifice on the cross to save us from sin and death. To make it even better, he gives us that same body in the Eucharist to be intimately united with us. Not only do we receive this incredible gift, but we are also invited to offer our own bodies with Christ on the altar. While there is so much meaning in these words, it is also simple. It is like Jesus saying, “I love you.” 

How would you advise someone who wanted to deepen their love of the Eucharist?
Your desire to grow in love of the Eucharist is proof that God is already at work in your life because he gave you that desire! So praise God! Just like anyone else, the best way to fall deeper in love with someone is to spend time with them.
Going to Mass and Eucharistic Adoration are great ways to spend time with Jesus. Sometimes it can be a little awkward getting to know someone, especially when that someone appears to be ordinary bread. Yet, we know that it is Jesus and, if we treat the Eucharist like Jesus, we will get to know him better. Share your heart with him and do not be afraid to listen in silence because he will speak. It can also be helpful to learn more by reading Scripture or other books such as “Jesus and the Jewish Roots of the Eucharist” by Brant Pitre.
Lastly, if you want to love the Eucharist more, just ask Jesus. Simply pray, “I love you Jesus, help me to love you more.”

When you envision yourself celebrating Mass one day as a priest, what do you imagine will be going through your mind and heart? 
It is humbling just to think about the many thoughts that might be on my mind and heart. I imagine a deep longing for the people present to encounter Jesus, to know him, and to love him more. I imagine knowing their hurts and their sins, as well as their joys and triumphs. I know they desire love and freedom, and I also know that I cannot offer it to them, but I know that Jesus can. I imagine praying to the Father on their behalf and desiring to offer my own life with Jesus on the altar so that they can experience abundant life. I hope to recognize the privilege of bringing their hopes, desires, and prayers to
the Father. Despite how unbelievable it is, I know I am unworthy. I recognize at Mass that I am in the presence of God with all his angels and saints, yet distractions happen. However, even these distractions allow me to recognize my need for him. Amidst the challenges and acknowledgment of the great privilege, I imagine wanting to share the abundant joy and excitement of celebrating the Mass. I hope to hear a baby cry and know that there is new life in the Church. I look forward to preaching and sharing the hope of the Gospel with a world that so desperately needs it. Lastly, I imagine looking at Jesus in my hands with incredible gratefulness for his love and a growing desire to be with him. 

Which saint should people invoke for your vocation?
St. Peter. Studying in Rome, I want to grow in love of Christ’s Bride, the Church. Without the witness of the apostles and Peter as pope, we would have neither a Church nor Christianity.