The last twenty years have been a rather interesting journey for me.  After graduating from Trinity in 1983, I attended Dickinson State University for four years and received a business degree.  Shortly after graduation, I entered the insurance industry in Dickinson.  For the next sixteen years I operated a small business in which I sold insurance and investment products.  My heart began to grow restless about ten years into my business.  By 2001, I began to lose some zeal and conviction for my work.  After attending several St. Ignatian silent retreats, I knew in time that I would have to eventually make some changes in my life.  Considering the fact that I had considered a calling to the priesthood for nearly the last twenty years, I knew that I must consider this vocation seriously.  I didn’t want to live until I’m eighty years old wondering if God had indeed called me to this unique vocation, particularly since there had been a longing in my heart that was not going away.  I received further confirmation that a change was needed in my life when I read a vocations brochure from Fr. Dennis Schaefer, the then current Vocations Director for the Bismarck Diocese.  It stated:  You know when you are in the right vocation in life when you stop wondering how to live and just live.  I prayed much and in October of 2003 I decided to place my business up for sale.  By God’s grace I was able to have it sold by January 1st of 2004.  Nine days later I found myself driving eleven hundred miles to Kenrick Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri. 

It has now been almost four years since I’ve entered seminary formation.  I am especially grateful to the good Lord for allowing me the strength and perseverance to get through the first year.  Being out of school for seventeen years and knowing nothing about philosophy has a tendency to humble one quite a lot, particularly in how little one knows.  At this point, I am only eight months away from being ordained a deacon (June 8th, 2008) and twenty months away from the priesthood.  God continues to shower me with blessings way beyond what I deserve.  I have personally experienced how God will not be outdone in generosity.  I am experiencing tremendous peace, momentum, and enthusiasm as my ordination days approach.  He has placed a joy and peace in my heart which is wonderful.  I am excited to serve the good people in western North Dakota.  Thank you for all your prayers and support.