I never wanted to become a priest. I always wanted to be a stay-at-home dad and a debate coach. However, Jesus took hold of my heart in a new way in college. My sophomore year I went to confession for the first time on my own and I decided not to hold anything back. After that, I got this hunger to know God more. I started praying everyday and learning more about the Faith. My junior year I was at Mass with a girl I really liked who wasn't Catholic and just wanted to see what the Mass was all about. I definitely gained more new knowledge at that Mass than she did. It was during the priest's homily that I received this clarity from God: "That's what you should be doing." I had never experienced anything like that before. After that, I never looked back. Even though I didn't know what seminary really was, I started telling people that I was going to be priest. I started talking to the vocation director of the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas and took the time to visit some seminaries. Once I graduated, I placed my discernment in the hands of the Church and I entered the seminary.
Typical Day The only guarantees everyday are the Mass and prayer. Each day is different. I try to spend at least 20 hours a week at the high school as a chaplain. I also am involved in R.C.I.A. and the youth groups we have. As a parish priest you try to be available to your people as much as possible. You share their crosses. I really am living the dream.
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