I was raised to practice servitude as a key component of my faith. Whether it was volunteering at the food bank or participating in Mass as an altar server, I found myself drawn to working for the good of others. I threw myself into youth group, youth ministry events, and youth choir. I spent a lot of time at Eucharistic Adoration during my childhood years, and this is where I learned the most about my faith.

From a young age, I felt called to sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament. One day, at my youth group summer camp, I found myself sitting there once again. I asked God what He wanted me to do with my life, and immediately I felt the pull to the priesthood. I was shocked, so I asked Him again: “What do You want me to do?” Again, the same pull. For a third time, I inquired, and this time, a clear statement from the Lord: “I want you to be a priest.”

After the third response, I felt completely calm and peaceful. There was no fear or distress. I continued to pray about this calling to the priesthood for the next few years, but God had spoken. I’m ready to answer.