Brian Johnson

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St. John Vianney

My name is Brian Johnson, and I am a member of Saint Ludger Parish in Creighton, Nebraska. It is a beautiful parish with a great family atmosphere. Family is very important to me. Some of my favorite things to do include being with family, playing sports, staying active, enjoying nature, watching movies, and spending time with Jesus.


Approaching the end of my days as a high school student, I took some time to really think about how I can best serve the Lord, and He came into my heart and flooded me with guidance, reassurance, and His friendship. Long ago, God placed a desire in my heart to help others. There are many beautiful ways to help others, but God did not give me peace in the pursuit of becoming an engineer or a math teacher, as I had intended. I came to realize that the most important way I could help others is spiritually. After all, what is more important than salvation? It became clear I was meant to go to the seminary. The idea of studying and living at St. John Vianney Seminary filled my heart with joy and my stomach with excitement. My hope was that I would be able to find brothers to discern with and to grow closer to the Lord as He shapes me, and He has done just that.


I advise anybody who is considering joining the seminary to cast off the fear, hesitation, and doubt that will try and close your heart off from the Lord. Simply be willing to answer the call the Lord has for you, wherever it may lead, and spend lots of time with the Lord, and He will take care of the rest. Our Blessed Mother is a powerful ally in discernment, as well. You always have a family in Christ.


God is good, all the time!

RETURN TO SEMINARIANS

Hey! I’m Zach Eischeid. I grew up in Elgin, Nebraska and belong to the Saint Boniface Parish. I attended Saint Boniface Elementary and graduated from Pope John XXIII Central Catholic High School. Saint Boniface Parish is a great place to learn about the Faith with our schools and to see so many parishioners helping each other and our parish in a myriad of ways.

My discernment has been around for as long as I can remember. Since I was a toddler, the priesthood always amazed me. However, around junior high, I kept pushing it to the back of my mind because I didn’t want to be labeled as that “extra-religious guy.” After graduating, I decided to attend Benedictine College to major in Theology. Towards the end of my first year at Benedictine, while at my sister’s wedding dance, I oddly had a strong feeling about seminary. A month later, I attended the priest ordination while teaching Totus Tuus, and started weeping during the procession in the cathedral. This sign was big encouragement in finally giving my future in God’s hands. I am currently at Kenrick Glennon Seminary in St. Louis and have made many fraternal friendships, as we are all on the same journey of striving to be what God wants us to be.

For all those with even an inkling about entering seminary, I encourage you to be open to it. Pray about it, frequent the sacraments, and remember: “You were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” And remember, every priest and seminarian has gone through what you are going through.

In my down time, I like playing any sport, especially basketball and baseball, jamming on the ukulele, listening to Christian rap, watching Nebraska football, and combating heresy.