Dear Brothers and Sisters,

It is with great joy and anticipation that I begin my ministry with you. Indeed, I can recall from my first days in the seminary thinking about where my first assignment as a priest would be. It is here at St. Hugo of the Hills that the Lord has called me to serve, and I hope to do—with the grace He provides me—whatever I can to be an instrument of His will. As I look forward to meeting with you and getting to know you in the months ahead, allow me to take some time to introduce myself.

I was born February 16, 1983, the first of two children of my parents, Frank and Judy. Three years later, my sister, Allison was born. Raised in Allen Park, both my sister and I attended Cabrini Elementary and High Schools. St. Frances Cabrini was our family’s home parish throughout this time as well. I graduated from high school in 2001, and the fall after graduation I entered Sacred Heart Seminary, where I have spent the last eight years of my life, culminating these past months with graduation from the seminary and ordination to the priesthood.

The story of my vocation is a simple one. Looking back, I did not have any serious doubts throughout the discernment process about being a priest. The call to priesthood, as I experienced it, was something natural—a calling that grew with me as I got older. At the age of eight, I was pretending to say “Mass,” and by the time I was a sophomore in high school, I knew that I wanted to apply to the seminary after graduation.

My time in the seminary afforded countless occasions to strengthen my awareness of the call to the priesthood. A deepening spiritual life, intellectual pursuits, apostolic experiences, retreats, travels to foreign countries, and parish placements (Our Lady of Mt Carmel, Temperance for an 8-month internship and St. Joseph, Lake Orion as a transitional deacon) have all contributed to who I am today, and the priest I hope to become—in reflection of our high priest, Jesus Christ.

Concerning hobbies, I am both a musician, with the ability to play both piano and organ, and a composer. While you will not find any of my musical works published, most pieces have been performed in public settings. I enjoy good coffee, good books, and you will likely find me on the streets and trails running to keep healthy.

Finally, as I close this introduction, I want you to know that since I learned of my assignment, I have heard nothing but great things about St. Hugo’s—the welcoming, faith-filled community, the large and active grade school, and the many events and activities that bring all the parishioners together. It brings me joy to know that I will now share with you firsthand in the life of the parish community. My prayer is that the Lord will bless us in every way during our time together, and that ultimately in Him, we will find happiness.