After finding out that I had failed a chemistry exam, I felt the prompting to go to the cathedral to pray. I told God, “Whatever you have in store for me, I will do it. I will follow you. I put my life in Your hands.”

I talked to my parents about my future. They told me to do what would make me happy. I realized that my strengths were in writing and speaking, relationship building, and working with people, so I switched my major to communications. I also began to pray and attend daily Mass, and the possibility of a vocation to the priesthood came to mind with increasing frequency. I met with the priest in my home parish and his advice was, “If any part of you thinks you might have a vocation, go to seminary!” By my senior year of college, I decided to apply. I couldn’t go further in life without discerning what God had in store for me. After all, I’d told God that I would follow Him wherever He led.

Having now spent almost five years in formation, I know who I am, what gifts and strengths I have, and how God might ask me to use them in the service of His Church. Spending time in parishes in the Diocese of Pittsburgh has shown me the hunger for Jesus among the faithful. Our diocese has suffered amidst turmoil within the Church and world. I believe that God is calling me in the midst of such hardships to be the light of Christ.

I look forward to celebrating the sacraments and finding new, creative ways to lead people to the Lord. I see the priesthood as the perfect fulfillment of everything I have ever wanted to be: a teacher, a mentor, a leader, a father, a positive example to youth, and a light in the darkness of our world. As I continue my formation in the Diocese of Pittsburgh, I am immensely grateful for the love and providence God has shown me along the way.