I began to consider a vocation to the priesthood as early as junior year in high school.  I was really involved with the Happening in Christianity program and had really grown to love my Catholic faith and loved sharing that with others in this retreat program.  My vocation was nurtured in this program; however, I wasn’t ready for the seminary at that point in my life.  I had a very beautiful girl friend and was thinking more about her.

After high school I went to college, but continued to work with the Happening in Christianity retreat team for several more years.  One year after graduating college, I directed a Happening weekend and had a conversion experience in my life.

I had to prepare a retreat team for this weekend for 10 weeks before the retreat.  I knew I needed help from above to make this successful, so I asked everyone on the team to sacrifice something during the 10 weeks in preparation for the weekend.  I wanted to set a high standard, so I committed to go to Mass every day for the 10 weeks, right by where our meetings were held at St. Thomas in Crystal Lake.  In addition, it just so happened that Rosary was prayed before Mass each day.  I added that to my commitment.  Daily Mass and Rosary were things I just didn’t do in the past.  After about 4 weeks I noticed that I was really becoming drawn to Our Lady and the Eucharist like never before in my life.  I experienced a deep sense of peace and joy during the Rosary and Mass and could really feel Our Lady‘s motherly presence and love.  I began to consecrate my life to Our Lady daily and to place my trust in Jesus (Divine Mercy).  I first met with the vocation director for Rockford at this time.  However, I didn’t feel a sense of peace to join the seminary yet.

Ten years later after various jobs and a couple different addresses I was ready.  I ran into the vocation director and Bishop Doran at the Religious Institute and began that scary process of applying to the Diocese.  About five months later, I felt my vocation confirmed and have been at peace about it ever since.  It has been a very difficult process to hear God’s voice calling me in this hectic world.  It wasn’t until I began going to daily Mass, praying my Rosary each day, and became committed to Eucharistic Adoration (quiet prayer) that I could hear myself being called.  I was unhappy with my job and had a great desire to do more with my faith.  I became very comfortable in church and felt drawn to the pulpit and altar.  Following Mass each day I would pray in thanksgiving for 20 minutes and pray for clarity in my vocation.  I ascertain that my vocation came to me during this powerful time of prayer when Our Lord was still present within me.