I first considered the priesthood in high school, but was spiritually immature and consumed with self-doubt, so dismissed the possibility. As I grew, I realized I am in the world, but not of it, and began to disconnect from tech distractions like social media, instead being drawn to authentic human connection. In my senior year of college, I was overwhelmed with a longing to join religious life.

Through conversation with friends and my spiritual director, a fire for the diocesan priesthood was set ablaze in my heart. Yet I needed to discern whether God might be calling me to serve the diocese in which I grew up as a child, or the diocese in which my faith had so grown as a young adult. After much prayer and discernment, I applied to St. Mark’s Seminary in Erie. As I’ve made progress in the application process, I have felt evermore peace and confidence in this calling.

I first encountered the community, priests, and seminarians of the Diocese of Erie when I attended university. Over the past five years, I have come to know them better, and have been drawn in by their beautiful faith. I desire to serve the diocese that has so deeply served me, to bring the Gospel to people, and people to Jesus Christ.

I want to administer the Sacraments, and to bring God’s unfathomable love and grace to everyone. I long to hear confessions and give absolution, to provide spiritual direction, to baptize children and adults, and, above all, to pray the Most Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. I ache to give my life to God in every way that He is calling me to, including in myriad ways I may not yet have even considered.

In contemplating Heaven, I desperately wish to bring as many people as I can to God. Like a shepherd, I long to bring a great flock to the good pastures that know no suffering, no pain, and no want, but only that eternal fulfillment with our Triune God, Father, Son, and Spirit.