I am 65 years old being born on September 27, 1951. I was the oldest of two. My only brother died in 2010. I am a product of public schools. However, many of my role models from the faculty and coaching staff provided a very good “Catholic” example.
I discovered my vocation in 8th grade. During that same year, my brother was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. When I learned of his illness, I bargained with God and said that if my brother was cured, I would become a priest. The thought remained deep in the back of my mind.
In high school I developed an interest in Athletic Training. I pursued that career until I received word that my brothers’ cancer was gone. Ultimately, I finally said yes to the call. My initial interest was monastic. However, I contacted the Archdiocese of Omaha’s Vocation Director and pursued my call.
I completed my College studies at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1973. I then attended St. Thomas Seminary in Denver Colorado and completed my Theological Studies in May of 1977.
I was ordained a Deacon April 12, 1976. I ministered as a Deacon at Mary Our Queen Parish in Omaha. I was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Omaha on June 11, 1977 by Archbishop Daniel E. Sheehan. I was assigned as an Assistant Pastor to St. Bernard Parish in Omaha from 1977 to 1980. While there, I taught at Mount Michael High School. In 1980, I was released to discern a monastic call at Mt. Michael.
I left the Abbey for personal reasons and returned to the Archdiocese. I was then assigned to Scotus Central Catholic in 1981 as Campus Minister and teacher. I remained at SCC until 1997 when I was assigned as Campus Minister and Teacher at St. Francis High School and Holy Family High School in Lindsay. I helped Fr. Jim Novotny with weekend Masses at St. Edward from 2000 to 2004 and 2005 to 2010. I was appointed Administrator of St. Francis 2004-2005.
I celebrate 40 years of ordination in June of 2017.
