1. Who is one of your favorite saints and why?

One of my favorite saints is St. Thomas Aquinas. I deeply admire all the work that he spent his life developing to give to the Church. His insights into the Catholic Faith are profoundly deep and offer little bits of understanding to the complex. I also just happened to pick him for my Confirmation name.

2. What is your favorite Scripture verse and why?

"He has shown you, oh man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly with the Lord." - Micah 6:8

This verse sums up what we are called to do as Catholics. It is a simple charge that reminds us that we don't have to make it up as we go. All we must do is follow Christ's example and walk humbly with the Lord.

3. What are your favorite things to do in your spare time?

I love to read, compete, play games, have deep conversations, and do anything active.

4. What attracts you to the idea of serving the Lord and the Church in Northern Wisconsin?

I have grown up here and have developed a love for northern Wisconsin that can only be explained by experiencing it. The crazy seasons and beautiful scenery are only a plus compared to the living joy that is found in the Church in the Diocese of Superior. I have grown up with many of the families throughout the diocese and can't wait to continue serving as a seminarian.

5. What advice would you give to a young man discerning his vocation?

If God has put the desire on your heart to pursue him through a specific vocation, run to him in that. If you have the desire to investigate seminary, do so. Don't overcomplicate things, and don't sit on your hands waiting to feel 100% that you have what it takes. God does not call the qualified, he qualifies those whom he calls.

6. Who influenced you the most to think about the priesthood?

The Holy Spirit. I'm only partly joking! I have considered seminary from as young an age as I can remember. God has continued to put holy men and women in my life, not least of which my parents, who have always supported my discernment. Through their support, I have continued to pursue Christ and that has led me to seminary.

7. How many siblings do you have?

My response is that I have five brothers and no sisters. I always find that people seem to be surprised by the fact that I don't have any sisters.

8. Before entering seminary, what was your dream job?

To be perfectly honest, even from a young age I have always felt an attraction to the priesthood. However, I have also always liked the idea of being a lawyer or an educator.

9. You’re stranded on a deserted island and can only watch one movie. You press play, and what comes on?

The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I could watch these movies over and over again and never get tired of them. I'm a huge LOTR fan.