BACKGROUND

Born Date: El Paso, TX

Birthdate: 2/14/1983

My mom and dad raised my brother and I.  We are 21 months apart in age.  I grew up in Laguna Niguel, CA.  I was blessed to go to Catholic private school from kindergarten through high school.  I went to Mission Catholic School, San Juan Capistrano from kindergarten to third grade, St Catherine’s Catholic grade school 4- 8, and Highschool at Santa Margarita Catholic.  I received my associated degree from Saddleback Community College in Mission Viejo, CA, and BA from Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA.  Music has been a large part of my life.  My brother and I have an original rock band called ‘Orange Blossom Special”.  I have sang in choir for St. Timothy’s, played bass for mass at St.Kilian’s, and play, write, and record with a worship band called ‘Vitae”.

What are some of the factors that led to your decision to enter the seminary and discern the question of a vocation to the priesthood?

Most importantly a deep yearning in my mind, heart, and soul to seek and do God’s will in my life.  I have reached a point in my life where I no longer mind what I want, but only want to do God’s will.  Through regular interactions with friends, family, and strangers, God has directed me and pointed me to discern diocesan priesthood.

Who are some of the people who influenced your decision to enter the seminary? What is it about them that assisted you?

The support of my family, Mom, Dad, and brother Anton, my previous girl friend, my grandmother Nana, family friend Monsignor Jack Campbell, Fr. Butters, Monsignor John Urell, Fr. Brandon Dang, Fr. Aristotle, daily mass goers from St. Nicholas, St. Timothy’s, St. Edwards, Our Lady Queen of Peace, and many more.

Describe the moment that you knew you wanted to take the next steps to become a priest?

Through personal prayer, I received a beautiful and peaceful invitation from God to become a Roman Catholic and to love Him with my whole heart for eternity.  At this moment, I knew clearly that God was calling me to discern formally for priestly formation.  After working with Fr. Brandon and the Diocese of Orange, the Church also believes I may have a calling for priesthood.