July 11th

2025

Grand Haven

St Patricks-St Anthony Parish

University of St. Thomas (Philosophy and Catholic Studies)

I love hiking, backpacking, reading, playing ultimate frisbee, and rock climbing

I have a life-long goal to visit all the National Parks

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Although I have seen my desire for the priesthood develop and deepen throughout my life, I first remember wanting to be a priest when I was in grade school. I distinctly remember being inspired by the heroic lives of martyrs who were priests. The immense courage and willingness to die for the gospel seen in saints such as Saint Andrew and Fr. Isaac Jogues, inspired me with a tangible example of the priesthood lived out in a beautiful way. During this time, I was also blessed to have my uncle, Father David Speicher, encourage me to follow God’s call to the diocesan priesthood.

During my sophomore year of high school, a decisive turning point came through a consecration I made to the Blessed Mother. After reading the book, “Thirty Three Days to Morning Glory,” by Father Michael Gaitley, I was convicted that the Lord wanted me to pursue the radical call to become totally conformed to the Sacred Heart of Christ the divine priest. Following my senior year of high school, I made the commitment to enter Saint John Vianney Seminary and discern a vocation for the Diocese of Grand Rapids. Four years later, I have continued to follow the Lord’s call as I enter First Theology at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein Illinois.