I have lived in Hamilton, OH, for most of my life on my family’s farm. My home parish is St. Ann in Hamilton. I grew in a farming family. My father is a full time farmer and my mom homeschooled my brothers, sisters and me all the way up through high school. I studied aviation maintenance in college and worked in that field until I entered seminary.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST DISCERN YOUR VOCATION?

I did not hear God calling me to the priesthood until later in life, after I was in college. I worked for several more years until I decided to enter college seminary at the Josephinum in Columbus.

WHO HAS BEEN A MENTOR FOR YOU?

I have had many mentors in my discernment of the priesthood. My uncle is a priest for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Having him around as I was growing up played a big part in my discernment and I am very thankful for his support of my vocation. I am especially thankful for the pastors of my home parish, as well as the pastor and priests of my internship parishes. I have several friends who are priests who have helped me greatly along the way. I would say my biggest mentors have been my parents, who have shown me the example of living out of their vocation to married life faithfully.

WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO MOST ABOUT BEING A PRIEST?

I look forward to helping people grow closer to our Lord through the sacraments, especially confession and the Eucharist.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE DEVOTIONS OR PRAYERS?

I have had a special devotion to Eucharistic Adoration. I think spending time in quiet prayer with our Lord in the Eucharist is when we are able to hear God’s voice most clearly.

WHAT’S A HOBBY OR ACTIVITY YOU ENJOY?

Since I grew up on a working farm, I enjoy mostly outdoor activities as well as working with my hands and tinkering with mechanical things.

ANYTHING ELSE YOU’D LIKE TO SHARE WITH THE FAITHFUL OF OUR ARCHDIOCESE?

I am joyfully anticipating serving the people of my future parishes and of the archdiocese. Please pray for me, my classmates and all the priests of the archdiocese, that we be truly conformed to Christ, the High Priest, and become examples of holiness for the people of this archdiocese.

On May 15, Seven Men Will be Ordained to the Priesthood and Begin Their Service in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

This article appeared in the May 2021 edition of The Catholic Telegraph Magazine. For your complimentary subscription, click here.