Hometown: Council Bluffs, IA
Year in Formation: Freshman
College: The University of Notre Dame
College Major: Program of Liberal Studies
Patron Saint: St. Robert Bellarmine
Favorite Movie: The Sting
Favorite Books: The Power of One by Bryce Courtenay, The Great Divorce by C.S. Lewis
Favorite Music: Frank Sinatra, Jacob Collier
Hobbies: Trombone, hunting, woodworking, baking
Most Memorable Prayer/Liturgy you have Attended: Night Prayer at Kenrick-Glennon Seminary in St. Louis, MO
Place of Pilgrimage you Most Want to Visit and why: The Sea of Galilee. Some of my favorite moments in the Gospels take place along the Sea of Galilee.
Favorite Way to Pray: In song
Favorite Devotion: The Rosary
What drew you to Holy Cross? The contagious joy with which the priests and brothers of Holy Cross carry out their ministry, as well as their inspiring confidence in the Cross as our only hope.
Your Vocation Story: As a middle schooler, I spent many evenings lying awake and speculating about the years that lay ahead of me. Often, I would hold two images in my mind’s eye: life as a priest and life as a husband and father. Without fail, the priesthood would command my attention and beckon to me with a quiet, glowing intensity. By the time I was a sophomore in high school, I knew the Lord was calling me to enter seminary. Through the faithful example of several religious priests, brothers, and sisters, God placed a desire in my heart to enter formation in a religious community. Having been a Notre Dame fan from birth, I was somewhat familiar with the Congregation of Holy Cross, and as I continued through high school, I grew in knowledge of Holy Cross’ charism, community life, and spirituality, especially during the Summer Seminary Immersion Program. I found particular beauty in the Holy Cross Constitutions and in the writings of Blessed Basil Moreau. Motivated by a deep sense of peaceful hope, I applied and was accepted to the Congregation’s Old College Undergraduate Seminary program.
Favorite Verse: “But as for you, man of God, shun all of this; pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance, gentleness.” -1 Timothy 6:11
Favorite Quote: “Pray, hope, and don’t worry.” -Padre Pio
How can visitors to this page pray for you? Please pray that I may receive the graces necessary to exercise discipline and exhibit joy as I live out the faith!