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

St. Thérèse of Lisieux is one of my favorite saints because her example of littleness makes holiness accessible to anybody. She has a deep love for Jesus Christ and understood the immensity of the mercy our Lord offers us. By simply accepting the grace and mercy of our Lord and abandoning ourselves to His Will we can become great saints despite our sinfulness! St. Thérèse of Lisieux, pray for us!

2. What is your favorite Scripture verse and why?

“As the Father loves me, so I also love you. Remain in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. This is my commandment: love one another as I love you. No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” - John 15:9-13

This Scripture resonates deeply with the message that God is Truth, Beauty, and Goodness and that we are called to commit our lives to Him and our neighbors in a sacrificial love. What I really Love about the Truth God communicates in this scripture is that it takes everything (laying down our lives) but also that it is joyful to do so!

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

I love to exercise! Most of my life I was a wrestler and have become more of a runner now. If you really want to see me light up talk to me about Jesus, His Church, or wrestling!

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

Northern Wisconsin is home. I grew up in Amery, Wisconsin. I love the people I grew up around and want all of them to know, love, and serve God and His Church! There is an overabundance of joy in the Catholic Church! My heart is at home in Northern Wisconsin! It is a gorgeous area of the state and remains a place of peace and quiet (for the most part) in the busy world we live in.

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

Be open to the desires of the heart and take the time in silence to hear what the Lord is saying to you through them. We have very busy lives, mostly because of technology, which I believe has made it harder than ever to hear God’s still, small voice in our times of prayer. Put the phones aside and pray (in front of the Blessed Sacrament if possible)!

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

The desire was on my mind a bit in college and throughout most of medical school. Some of the most influential priests overall in my discernment were Father David Neuschwander, Father Adam Laski, and Father PJ McManus (Diocese of Des Moines). Some friars in New York helped me a lot over my summer in 2022 put more tangible experiences under my belt. The list could go on forever!

7. What is something important that you learned while in medical school?

While in medical school, I learned that there was a deep need among the suffering to encounter Jesus Christ. Especially in the sacraments the Catholic Church provides through the priesthood of Jesus Christ. I enjoyed taking care of people physically but noticed my heart desired to help people more spiritually.

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

Before entering seminary, I was in school to become a pediatrician. But way before that I wanted to be a marine biologist because I loved dolphins as a kid!

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

It’s a Wonderful Life! It is a great movie that has a beautiful message of the value and impact we have in the world. God created each one of us to accomplish a beautiful and unique part of His Will!