Meet Our New Priests

When was the first time you thought of priesthood? Fleetingly thought about it while in high school, seriously started to think about it after graduating from USNA and while doing grad school work.

Who influenced or inspired you? Numerous Catholic Naval Chaplains: Fr. John Newton (retired, deceased a couple days ago), who was a dear friend while in Hawaii. Fr. Robert Keane (SJ), who was Chaplain at USNA while I was a midshipman, a wonderful mentor who also guided me as a faculty member at the Naval Chaplain School in RI. Fr. Daniel Mode, Diocese of Arlington, who was in reserve status and high school chaplain of Bishop O’Connell while I was a student there. He was also a wonderful mentor in my younger years, and continues to keep touch.

What would people be surprised to know about you? I was able to pursue a Masters Degree in Astronomy in Hawaii following my graduation from USNA (not a typical degree to earn after leaving the Naval Academy!); it was a joy for me to study astronomy, particularly as a Christian who sees, with eyes of faith, God’s hand in all of the universe.

What is your favorite scripture passage? Three: a) Psalm 131
…the soul quieted in God as a child rests in its mother’s arms…

b) Martha & Mary, LK 10:40-42
…Mary has chosen the better part…

c) John 15:9
As the Father has loved me, so I have loved you. Remain in my love.

How did you come to know Jesus? I was born a cradle Catholic in a devout family, was an altar boy, etc---however, as a high school student, I *really* came to know Christ better through weekly Eucharistic Adoration that was held in my parish. Time spent in quiet prayer allowed me to open up to the tremendous love he has for me, which has manifested itself in my interactions with people, my joys and sorrows, triumphs and failures, and most especially when I participate in the Liturgy of the Mass.

What were some of the Spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and share your relationship with Christ and His Church? Altar server through high school. Extraordinary Minister of the Eucharist (EME) at the Naval Academy. In Hawaii for 2 years, I was a CCD teacher for 1st Reconciliation and 1st Holy Communion (that was a joy!). Also member of Knights of Columbus (4th degree), auxiliary member of Legion of Mary, and consecrated my commission from USNA in 2003 to the Sacred Heart and Immaculate Heart.

What influence did Pope John Paul II have on your vocation? A LOT!!! He was naturally the only Pope I knew through my life—his famous phrase “Be Not Afraid” helped motivate me to pursue my vocation without worrying about external opinions, frustration or rejection by others. I found true joy and true peace in following my vocation, and the life of JPII embodies that. Studying in Rome (North American College) is a true blessing, as I can frequent his tomb and pray for his intercession through my studies.

What was your background before the Seminary? High school 95-99, USNA 99-03, Grad School 03-05 (University of Hawaii, was stationed at Pearl harbor nearby), and then Mount St. Mary’s Pre-Theology in the Fall of 2005 (condensed version—please let me know if you need more info).

What was the last book you read? Padre Pio: Man of Hope, by Renzo Allegri

What is your favorite spiritual book? Currently, Come Be My Light, revealing the Fiery Love Mother Theresa had for the poorest of the poor, even when no special consolation was left for herself---truly she took all the tremendous love Christ had for her and shared it with others.

Who is a hero to you? My parents, who gave me my Faith—they are God’s greatest gift to me, for the wonderful example and love they have provided me through my life.

Diocese: Diocese Jefferson City, MO
Rank / Branch of Service: 2Lt now, 1Lt on September 8 2009, Army
High School Attended: Waynesville High School, Waynesville MO
College Attended: BA (Liberal Arts) from Conception Seminary College and an M.A. from Saint Louis University
Hobbies: Reading (mostly History), working out (Cross-fit), spending entirely too much time keeping up with the ins and outs of Notre Dame Football and lamenting the current political situation (I do live in DC!)

When was the first time you thought of priesthood? The Lord first placed the call to the priesthood in my heart during Middle School.

Who influenced or inspired you? I have been blessed with numerous influential and inspirational people in my life. Among them are my parents, my twin brother and my sister; all for their steadfast support, advice and unconditional love. In my high school years I was heavily influenced by my friendship with CH (Col) Vince Inghilterra who stationed at Fort Leonard Wood at the time.

What would people be surprised to know about you? Well, I have an identical twin brother (he’s a Captain in the USAF and flies KC-135’s). I have worked as a house sitter and chauffer. I also made an underappreciated hip-hop album while living in Atlanta in 2004 (I guess the world just wasn’t ready).

What is your favorite scripture passage? This one changes regularly. Right now I’d select Matthew 11: 28-29:
(28) "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. (29) Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for your selves.

How did you come to know Jesus? Through my family, CCD classes, regular attendance at Mass as well as the sacrament of confession. Also, at various times in my life I have felt the overpowering sense of the Holy Spirit which has strengthened both my personal vocation and my relationship with Christ and His Church.

What were some of the Spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and share your relationship with Christ and His Church? I am always profoundly affected by ministry, whether in a hospital setting, the Mass, or in a classroom. That is where the rubber hits the road for me, and where I can see the Holy Spirit at work in my life. I also have a strong devotion to Our Lady and pray the rosary daily. It is a beautiful way to meditate on the life of Christ while storming the gates of heaven with prayers.

What influence did Pope John Paul II have on your vocation? He seemed to have a strong sense of Catholic identity which was readily visible. This was helpful to me at a time when I was attempting to form my own identity in a culture which is not interested in making it an easy endeavor. He was a source of pride and encouragement. The only time my twin brother and I were ever able to skip a day of classes was the occasion of JP II’s visit to St. Louis in 1999. It was an amazing road trip!

What was your background before the Seminary? I entered seminary right out of High School, but in between my undergraduate seminary and my graduate seminary I spent some time in Florida as a substitute teacher, worked in the music business in Atlanta and earned an M.A. in Historical Theology from Saint Louis University.

What was the last book you read? The Battle Cry of Freedom: The Civil War Era by James McPherson.

What is your favorite spiritual book? This might not be traditionally regarded as a ‘spiritual book’ per se, but I highly recommend Priests for the Third Millennium by now Archbishop of NYC Timothy Dolan for anyone considering a priestly vocation.

Who is a hero to you? Emil Kapaun, Catholic priest and Army Chaplain. His cause for canonization was opened in 2008.

When was the first time you thought of priesthood? I first thought about the priesthood when I was young. I was in 4th or 5th grade.

Who influenced or inspired you? When I was in elementary school I would go to daily Mass and serve for the older priests of the parish. They greatly influenced my call to the priesthood.

What is your favorite scripture passage? John 2:5
His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”

How did you come to know Jesus? I came to know Jesus through the witness and teaching of my parents and the priests at the church I attended growing up.

What were some of the Spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and share your relationship with Christ and His Church? The Mass, the Rosary, teaching the Faith at RCIA or CCD. Finally, the witness of my actions during life!

What influence did Pope John Paul II have on your vocation? John Paul II did not have a great influence on my vocation. The priests of my parish had the most influence on my vocation.

What was your background before the Seminary? I spent 3 years in the Army. I also taught religion at a Catholic high school in Denver.

What was the last book you read? The last book I read was Truman by David McCallough.

What is your favorite spiritual book? My favorite spiritual writer is St. Francis de Sales. Any work by him is great.

Who is a hero to you? My parents are my heroes. It is amazing their witness to trusting God at all times.

When was the first time you thought of priesthood? In 2000 while in college.

Who influenced or inspired you? Understanding the life and Mission of Christ is my first and primary inspiration.

What would people be surprised to know about you? I am a convert to the Catholic Church.

What is your favorite scripture passage? One of my favorite passages of Scripture is Sirach 2:1-11

2Set your heart right and be steadfast, and do not be impetuous in time of calamity. 3Cling to him and do not depart, so that your last days may be prosperous. 4Accept whatever befalls you, and in times of humiliation be patient. 5For gold is tested in the fire, and those found acceptable, in the furnace of humiliation. 6Trust in him, and he will help you; make your ways straight, and hope in him. 7You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; do not stray, or else you may fall. 8You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost. 9You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy. 10Consider the generations of old and see: has anyone trusted in the Lord and been disappointed? Or has anyone persevered in the fear of the Lord and been forsaken? Or has anyone called upon him and been neglected? 11For the Lord is compassionate and merciful; he forgives sins and saves in time of distress.


How did you come to know Jesus? I came to know about Jesus via the Church and reading scripture.

What were some of the Spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and share your relationship with Christ and His Church? Being heavily involved in Campus Ministry during college.

What influence did Pope John Paul II have on your vocation? Pope John Paul II helped me to understand that the ministry is to be not only what one does on Sunday but also a way of life.

What was your background before the Seminary? Before entering seminary, I was a commissioned officer branched Finance with a detail in infantry.

What was the last book you read? A Strange Freedom by Howard Thurman.

What is your favorite spiritual book? I really don’t have a favorite book outside of Scripture, but I enjoy reading books on spirituality.

Who is a hero to you? My hero would most definitely be my mother.

When was the first time you thought of priesthood? I grew up Protestant, and several members of my family are ministers in their respective ecclesial communities. I have a great-uncle who was a Baptist minister as well as a chaplain in the Army. My Aunt on my mom’s side is a Methodist minister, and I have a cousin who served for many years as a Presbyterian minister. So growing up, the reality of ministry was one that would cross my mind every once in a while. However, when I converted to the Catholic Church, the thought of ministry left my mind since I could not see myself being a priest. It would not be until my junior year in college that a series of events led me to begin thinking about the possibility of a priestly vocation.

Who influenced or inspired you? I think my biggest influence growing up was my mom. While both of my parents made it a priority to attend church, she was the driving force in my family’s religious formation. She made sure that we read the bible, memorized scripture passages, attended Sunday school, signed up for Vacation Bible School, Youth Choir, youth trips, Wednesday night fellowship. Whatever was available, she made sure that we were there. More to the point, one could see the deep faith that sustained her through her diagnosis of cancer, a divorce, and her impending death years later. With my mom, one always knew that faith was something real and something that mattered in one’s daily life.

What would people be surprised to know about you? I think one of the things that surprise most people is that I was born and raised in Georgia. My diocese is Albany, NY and whenever people in my parish find out I’m from Georgia, they are all surprised because I don’t have an accent. I don’t know why I don’t have an accent, but I get the feeling that a lot of people feel cheated from my accent deficiency.

What is your favorite scripture passage? That is a difficult question to answer. I find that the answer to that changes from week to week, day to day and even minute to minute. So much is dependent on whatever experience I am encountering. However, if I had to pick one, it would be Psalm 116

Who is a hero to you? When I went through the Chaplain Basic Course down at Fort Jackson, I met many recruits who were 17 years old and still had a year of high school to complete before they could be assigned a unit. It amazed me that these kids would make this commitment knowing without the least shadow of doubt that they would be deployed to a war. People say that my generation isn’t willing to make sacrifices. But I don’t think that’s the case. I think most of the time it’s just that no one ever offered these kids something worth sacrificing.