Vocation Story

I went to a Catholic college run by the Franciscans in upstate New York.  I had an ROTC scholarship and majored in Accounting but my practice of my faith suffered as my college career went on because I gave a higher priority to playing rugby and working than I did to my faith.  When I graduated I went on active duty in the Army as a Field Artillery Officer, stationed in Germany during the height of the Cold War.  In the Army I practiced my faith more consistently and when I was leaving the Army I had thoughts of priesthood, possibly even as a military chaplain.  I decided to try out my Accounting degree, however, and went to work in Manhattan.

Over the next dozen years I continued to try to decide my future for myself and do things my way.  After a year in the City, I moved to Northern Virginia and got myself a Master’s degree.  I knew I didn’t want to be an Accountant but I didn’t know what I should be when I grew up.  I was living the bachelor’s life—working, playing softball, and hanging out in the neighborhood pub.  Again my faith suffered, as it often seemed inconvenient.  The whisper I continued to hear in the back of my mind about what I should do with my life I ignored.

 A change of jobs brought me to the other side of Washington DC in suburban Maryland.  I took the opportunity to make some changes in my life, not the least of which was to recommit to my Catholic faith.  As God’s providence would have it, I met Monsignor Thomas Wells, a good, holy priest who would change my life.  I eventually made an appointment with him and made a general confession.  For years I had thought that Penance was the obsolete Sacrament.  This was the first time in years I had approached the Sacrament and it was the first time I truly realized God’s awesome love and forgiveness.  I began attending daily Mass and made prayer a regular part of my life.  Fr. Wells became my spiritual director and the human agent responsible for my vocation.  I thought God would make it abundantly clear to me if He wanted me to be a priest.  Fr. Wells helped me to recognize the persistent whisper for what it was and encouraged me to apply to study for the Archdiocese of Washington.

I began studying for Washington in 1999 and completed Pre-Theology.  The summer before First Theology I was in Omaha when I got news that Fr. Wells had been murdered.  Following a difficult year in First Theology, I withdrew from the seminary where I was studying and spent time reevaluating everything.  I spent much more time in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, continuing to make a Holy Hour every day as well as a daily Rosary and the Office.  I still felt called to the priesthood and when two different priests whom I trust recommended that I contact Rockford, I did so.  I am here by the grace of God and, if it is His will, this is where I will spend my life.