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 Hometown: Jefferson City, MO
Home Parish: St. Joseph Cathedral
Seminary: Sacred Heart School of Theology
What are your hobbies? What do you like to do for fun?
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In my free time, I like to watch sporting events. Seinfeld reruns are good for a laugh, too. I enjoy going out to dinner with friends (a good one for a priest!) I also like to play card games. Spending time outdoors is my preferred way to take a break from studies and relax.
What influenced your decision to enter seminary?
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My former pastor at the Shrine of St. Patrick in Laurie, Fr. Fred Barnett, was the first person to encourage me to consider a vocation to the priesthood. Then a professor from my days at Conception Seminary College, Fr. Albert Bruecken, kept me thinking about religious life while I was studying to be a chemist. So direct feedback from men who were priests had a big influence on me.
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My family also supported my decision to study for the priesthood, and their support is a tremendous benefit.
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In addition, my experience at Conception from 1989-91 was a positive one, even though I didn’t continue on the path to priesthood at that time. It certainly played a role in my willingness to return to the seminary later in life.
What were you doing before you entered seminary?
What is your educational background?
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Spent 2 years at Conception Seminary College
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Received a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Lincoln University in Jefferson City
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Received a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry from the University of Missouri-Columbia
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Spent one year as a post-doctoral student at the University of Washington in Seattle
Describe seminary life. What is a day like?
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During the 2008-09 school year, a typical day at Sacred Heart would begin with praying the Office of Readings and Morning Prayer in private or in small groups. The students gathered as a community for Mass at 7:30 AM, with breakfast served immediately following Mass. Classes began at 9:00 AM, and would run throughout the day until 5:00 PM. However, classes didn’t normally fill up the entire day, and there was some free time for study, prayer, exercise, or other activities. A break for lunch was built into the schedule from approximately noon to 1:00 PM for all of the students, faculty, and staff. The students gathered again as a community for Evening Prayer at 5:15 PM, followed by dinner. Occasionally, students would be enrolled in an evening class at the seminary, but those classes met for one night of the week only. Otherwise, evenings were left open for students to use the time as needed. Night Prayer was recited in private. Sacred Heart does have an open-campus policy, which means students are permitted to leave campus during their free time.
If possible, describe the importance of prayer. What would you say to encourage young people to pray?
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Looking at prayer through the lens of my current hospital ministry, I would describe prayer as a source of strength and peace. I pray for the strength that is needed to be able to minister to others. Plus, prayer is a good way to continue to minister to those in need, even when you can’t be with them in person. I also find a feeling of calmness during prayer that can balance the stress of a fast-paced day.
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My advice about prayer: Whatever your favorite style of prayer is, be faithful to it. Offer your prayer every day. This will provide the seed from which your spiritual life can continue to grow.
There are several fears to overcome before one applies to seminary. Did you have any fears and how did you overcome them?
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Since I was in the seminary right after high school, I didn’t have a lot of fear applying the second time around. Still, as a second-career seminarian, I was concerned about giving up my job to return to an academic environment. What if I started to miss the predictable 8 to 4:30 routine of my old job? It helped me to know that all of the other men in my incoming class would have similar feelings, and we would be able to discuss our stories. In the end, it simply took time to overcome this particular fear, but I didn’t have to face it alone.
Favorites:
What advice would you give to someone who is thinking about the seminary?
Talk to your pastor and/or our vocation director, Fr. Joe Corel. Taking that first step can be challenging, but remember that you are not committing to anything by simply expressing your interest. It will allow you to learn more about the path to priesthood.
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