April 9

2026

Rockford, IL

St. Bridget's

Lewis University (Finance)

I was a teaching tennis pro for 9 years and then became a Finance Director for an automation company in Loves Park, IL.

English

Camping, fishing, hiking, golf, frisbee, tennis.

St. Augustine

When I was in my late 20’s, I wasn’t sure what path of life to follow. I was very successful in my job, but I found my faith life pulling for more and more of my attention. For a period of about 6 weeks, it seemed like every Sunday the pastor was talking about vocations, and I could feel the tug on my heart to pursue it, but stubbornly, I would always brush those thoughts out. I had a somewhat traumatic experience that landed me in the emergency room and while I was there I felt an intense calling from God to give my life to Him. After a quick healing, I decided to give the priesthood a chance.

Being able to administer the sacraments is probably what I am most looking forward to in becoming a priest.

I think it is just amazing the diversity of backgrounds that have somehow all ended up together in a single campus all giving up their former lives to follow God in the best way that we know how at this time. Everyone has a different story, and God has touched all of us in different ways, but we have all felt that special embrace from God that makes all that we have given up worth every bit.

It’s easy to make it here when we are just starting off and are full of excitement. So I guess I would ask that the community keep me in prayer that God always helps remind me why I am here when things become more tough, the workload becomes greater, and I start to question if I made the right choice.