Hometown: Tigard, OR
Year in Formation: Novice
High School: Valley Catholic High School (Beaverton, OR), 2019
College: University of Portland (Portland, OR), 2023
College Major: History & Spanish
Patron Saint: St. Nicholas (my namesake) and St. Pope John Paul II (my confirmation name)
Favorite Movie: Shawshank Redemption, Lord of the Rings, Catch Me if You Can, Airplane
Favorite Books: The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien, A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller Jr., Discworld novels by Terry Pratchett
Favorite Music: Owl City, U2, Imagine Dragons, AC/DC, Sabaton, Movie Soundtracks
Hobbies: Reading, creative writing, backpacking, cooking, baseball
Most Memorable Prayer/Liturgy you have Attended: A tie between Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica and the Ordination Mass for Fr. John Sebastian, CSC and Fr. Andrew Fritz, CSC
Place of Pilgrimage you Most Want to Visit and why: Mexico City! I love the story of La Virgen de Guadalupe, and as a student of Spanish it would be a wonderful opportunity to pray in a second language. Plus, with so much of our ministry in the US being focused on Latin American populations, I think it would be a worthwhile cultural immersion that would pay dividends in my ministry as a religious.
Favorite Way to Pray: The Mass & The Liturgy of the Hours
Favorite Devotion: Divine Mercy & Eucharistic Adoration
What Drew you to Holy Cross: The witness of the Holy Cross priests and brothers at UP drew me in, and as I got to know both them and the order better, I found within myself a deep appreciation for Moreau’s spirituality and an attraction to the charism of Holy Cross. I knew I had to set off and see if that pull I was experiencing was God calling me, so here I am!
Your Vocation Story: Like most discernment stories, mine started at home, where my parents provided a solid domestic church that encouraged me and my siblings to live our faith with purpose and joy. I think the first time I can remember thinking about priesthood as an option was when I was around 4-5 years old and playing “Mass” with my sisters. The call started in earnest as a high schooler, but as I reflect on my journey to this point, I think it has always been a murmur in my heart. I think over the years it has manifested in a love of altar serving, a desire to be a preacher and teacher of the Word, a love for the intellectual heritage of the Church, and a desire to be a pastor and dispenser of the Sacramental life. I entered college still hearing the calling, but perhaps trying to intentionally ignore it and chart my own future. But, as I overcame my hesitations and fears, I heard the Lord calling out to me again and again, until I chose to give him my “Yes.”
Favorite Verse: “But as for me, I will look to the Lord, I will wait for God my Savior; my God will hear me!” Micah 7:7
Favorite Quote: “Non Nisi Te Domine”
How can visitors to this page pray for you? Pray that I may always follow the Holy Spirit and remain close to Christ! Also for patience, openness, and fortitude during the long process of formation.