School: All Saints Catholic Church
2443 Mt. Vernon Road
Dunwoody, GA 30338
Background
I was raised in Lilburn GA, I am the youngest of 3 with 2 older brothers. I attended public school throughout my childhood, and graduated from Parkview High School in 2017. I was raised in the Catholic faith, attending mass, and being involved in many different ministries at St. John Neumann Catholic Church. I entered seminary at the age of 18 immediately after graduating from high school. I spent 4 years completing my philosophical studies at St. Joseph Seminary College, and I am currently in my theological studies at St. Vincent de Paul Seminary.
What are your hobbies and interests?
Life in seminary is busy, however, when I have some free time I try to enjoy it by spending it reading, baking, watching TV, or just hanging out with others. I also love to spend time outdoors by hiking, swimming, or sitting out in a hammock.
What is one of your favorite scriptures?
‘Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’ – Isaiah 41:10
Who is your favorite saint and why?
That is a tough question to ask as there have been so many saints who have had an impact on my life. One particular saint that sticks out is St. Theresa of the Child Jesus. I read her diary in my second year of seminary and ever since she has been a source of hope and strength, as well as a constant intercessor.
In a nutshell, what is your vocation story? How did you feel called to the priesthood?
I was raised in the faith attending mass every Sunday, however, I never thought deeply about the possibility of becoming a priest. The summer going into my freshman year of high school I was sitting in adoration at a Steubenville Youth Conference and I felt a little nudge on my heart asking me to think about becoming a priest, as my years in high school progressed that nudge never went away. My senior year in high school I went through the application process for seminary, and I was accepted as a seminarian shortly after my graduation.
What is seminary life like for you?
Seminary life has been a struggle, and I have been challenged in ways that I have never been challenged before. That being said, this has been an absolutely amazing experience full of a tremendous amount of joy. I have met some of the most amazing men who have become dear friends, and we are all growing together in holiness.
What do you look forward to about being a priest?
I am, most of all, looking forward to bringing Jesus Christ truly present in the Eucharist to the people of God. I desire to bring people closer to Christ in the Sacrament of Confession, offering them the infinite mercy of their loving father.
What advice do you have for other guys thinking about the priesthood?
The simplest advice that I can give is to put your faith in the Lord and in His providence. Trust that the Lord will guide you in the ways that you need. Do not be afraid to sit before him in the tabernacle, and give to Him all of your hopes and your desires.