I was born in Hinsdale, a western suburb of Chicago. Shortly before my first birthday, my family moved to Rockford, where I was raised. My home parish was Holy Family in Rockford.

I’m the first of three children. My father worked in the science industry and my mother was a homemaker, later working in the legal world. As a priest and older brother, I’ve had the grace of celebrating the marriages of both my brother and sister and watching our family continue to grow with a little niece!

Growning up, I attended Boylan Central Catholic High School in Rockford. Later, before I ever thought about a potential vocation, I attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN, where I initially pursued a degree in secondary education.

My call came quite suddenly, or, at least it felt that way. I was a freshman year student up at the University of St. Thomas. Praise God, I made some great friends right away who invited me to come to Mass with them. It was at one of these normal Sunday university Masses where, during the priest’s homily, I felt in a powerful way called by Jesus to be his priest.

I didn’t “hear” anything with my ears, nor did I “see” anything with my eyes… but with the ears and eyes of the heart, I understood everything. The call was clear, profoud, and overwhelming. And yet, I wasn’t afraid. I was excited, on fire with the mere thought.

Following the Mass, I introduced myself to the priest and recounted to him in an overly simplistic way the potential of a call. With excitment, he asked me, “How long have you felt this call?” Oh, about 15 minutes. “Interesting… Do you pray everyday?” Mh, no, not really, Father. But I’m trying. “Do you at least go to Mass reguarly?” At this point, I was honest — I do my best — which wasn’t the best. “Okay, well, there’s only one way to find out if you’re called. Do all those things. Fall into relationship with Jesus and his Church.”

And so I did. The call intensified, and months later, I was applied and accepted to seminary.

I was ordained a priest of Jesus Christ on June 6, 2020.

I’m a classic extrovert, though my time in seminary formation has also brought out the introvert in me.

I find myself constantly with my friends, whether brother priests, my family, or the lay friends I’ve kept and made throughout life that have welcomed me into their families.

I’m also a lover of sports, like golf, soccer, and basketball, traveling, reading, and being in nature.

I was ordained a priest on June 6, 2020. My first assignment was as a parochial vicar at St. Patrick in St. Charles (2020-2022). In 2022, I was named Vocation Director in addition to being parochical vicar at St. Bridget in Loves Park (2022-2024). I was then assigned as parochial vicar at Christ the Teacher (Newman Center) in 2024, where I still find myself serving.

I think they’ve changed over time, but each has always remained with me. While in seminary, St. Faustina and St. John Paul II were big ones. Now, as a priest, I find myself praying to St. John Neumann and St. Mother Teresa often.

His words are better than mine — Be not afraid. If he’s calling you, he’s already given you what’s necessary to respond. You haven’t earned it and don’t deserve it, yet he’s chosen you. Say yes. It’s the best life in the whole world.