Pre-Theology Propaedeutic Year
St. Charles Borromeo Seminary, Ambler, PA
I grew up in Dover, New Hampshire, where I lived until 2022. That is when I came to the University of Maine to study mechanical engineering. I was an atheist but had always found the Christian faith beautiful and good.
During my first year of college, I became curious about the existence of God. After some wrestling, I realized that there must be a God and that I should be a Christian. I met a wonderful man who taught me to pray and invite Christ into my heart. This began my life of faith, though I still did not know which Church was the true one. I spent weeks listening to debates, reading the Church Fathers, and praying for clarity. Eventually, the Catholic claims seemed most sound, and I started going to daily Mass and prioritizing prayer. I began OCIA and entered the Church at the Easter Vigil of 2024.
I became involved in the Newman Center community, where my faith greatly deepened. Nurtured by holy priests and close friendships, I became truly alive as a Catholic. With the encouragement of a friend, I started serving Mass and instantly felt a great draw to the altar of God. I started seriously discerning the priesthood and growing closer to him.
Others around me, especially my close friends, encouraged me in my discernment. I continued altar serving and talked regularly with a couple of other guys as we explored the Lord’s will for our lives. I came to love God better and received many graces in the process.
Through prayer, spiritual direction, time and patience, and the help of those close to me, I realized that I have a desire to help others directly in a parish setting. My deep love for the liturgy, draw to be a spiritual leader, and yearning to offer the sacraments all guide me this way. Eventually, the call to apply to seminary became so clear that I could not mistake it.
Throughout my discernment journey I have learned so much about the heart of the Lord and the love he has for us. I now feel more strongly than ever a call to enter seminary to further explore his path for me. I look forward to more intentionally following his plan and, if it be his will, helping to save souls in the state of Maine. Deo Gratias. Amen.
Fun Facts:
Hobbies: Running, reading, studying languages, hiking, golf
Favorite foods: Shrimp Lo Mein, ravioli, steak, dinner rolls, salad
Favorite saints: St. Joseph, Blessed Virgin Mary, St. John Vianney, Pope St. John Paul II, St. Luke, St. John the Evangelist
Favorite authors: Jane Austen, C.S. Lewis, Mark Twain, Trent Horn
