Board Member Bios

Current Assignment:

The High School of St. Thomas More, Chaplain

St. Matthew Catholic School, Parochial Vicar

Family:

I was born in Maryville, IL and we moved around through my childhood with State Farm. My family eventually landed back in Bloomington, where I finished middle school and attended high school. Upon graduating high school, I went into seminary. In 2014 my parents and two sisters moved to Atlanta, GA while I remained in seminary formation for the Diocese of Peoria.

Career and Volunteer Affiliations:

I graduated from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, which is the university that Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary is affiliated with. There I completed my philosophy studies and studied English literature in my free time. During this time I was blessed to be assigned to the University’s ITA Literacy Clinic and was recognized by the Initial Teaching Alphabet Foundation for my work with a student who advanced 3 reading years in a year.

For the remainder of my seminary career I attended the University of St. Mary of the Lake, Mundelein Seminary for two years before completing my theology education at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD. On May 26, 2018 I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Peoria.

Over the course of my time as a priest I have predominantly worked in Catholic Education. My first assignment was St. Jude in Peoria, where much of my time was spent working with the students and youth. After three years there, I was transferred to Champaign where most of my day is spent with the students of The High School of St. Thomas More and St. Matthew Catholic School.

Reasons for serving on the FIRE Foundation Board:

Through my work as a priest I have come to believe strongly in the power of Catholic Education and believe it is a cornerstone of our Church’s mission. As a vehicle of the Gospel each person should be welcome in our communities. I am excited to work with FIRE to make Catholic Education available to all of God’s children.