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Early in John’s Gospel, the evangelist recounts the disciples’ simple question to Jesus, “Teacher, where are you staying?,” and He replies, “Come and see.” These words encapsulate the journey I have been on with the Lord for most of my life; a journey that took me from Michigan to Washington, from school to work to the seminary and finally to the priesthood, and from a life of self-conceived notions of success to one seeking self-abandonment and trust in God’s providence. I have been blest with opportunities and experiences that have allowed me to grow in my faith, as well as with great friends and family who have helped me discern the Lord’s subtle yet constant call to give of myself entirely to Him and His people. The Church has been an integral part of life since I was a child, and I am fortunate to have been raised with faith and in a family that was always committed to serving others because of our faith. My family’s parish was an important part of my life growing up, and it was there where I learned the joy of offering one’s gifts in service to God. I attended the parish school, served at Mass as a lector and sang in the choir, worked part-time in the office, and I participated in the youth group. I first thought about the priesthood back in high school, but I had other plans that took me to Albion College, where I discovered a deep desire to live a life of service for others, after which I came to Washington and served in the Jesuit Volunteer Corps. After my year in JVC, I returned to Michigan where I earned degrees in law and public policy from the University of Michigan.
Yet through it all, the Lord continued to speak to me, and eventually I came to a point in my life where I could no longer ignore consideration of the priesthood. With prayer and direction, I came to understand that I had to go the seminary to find out if the priesthood was what the Lord desired for me, and I am blest that I was able to attend St. John Paul II Seminary and Theological College in order to discern God’s will.
For a long time I have sought to know where the Lord Jesus is staying in my life, and in the seminary, I came to realize that He has always stayed with me, walking with me not only as my Lord and savior, but also as my friend and brother. It is my desire to know the Lord and help others better know Him that propelled me forward into ordained ministry, and this first year of priesthood has been extraordinary! To hear confessions, preach the Word, celebrate Holy Mass, prepare couples for marriage, anoint the sick, teach the richness of the faith, and encounter people in the complexity of their life and accompany them into a greater understanding of God’s presence-it is a privilege to “come and see” as a priest of Jesus Christ!