Michael Figura

Theology I
North American College 

Hello! My name is Michael Figura and I have been happy to call Omaha my home my entire life. I am the third of four children and my home parish is St. Stephen the Martyr.


Growing up, I was grateful that the Lord provided me with experiences in which I could get to know Him better. Spending time with my parish youth group, attending retreats and Steubenville conferences, and volunteering at Camp Virtus et Veritas provided me with times of authentic prayer in which I could more clearly hear God’s voice.


As a high school student, I atten
ded Skutt Catholic High School. While at Skutt, I was blessed with countless opportunities to grow in my faith. These came in both the simple things, like access to Skutt’s chapel during the day, and the life-changing experiences, like making the March for Life pilgrimage and attending the FOCUS Student Leadership Summit conference in Chicago. It was in these moments of spiritual nourishment that I began to consider that Christ might be calling me to serve him in a particular way.


Entering college, I knew that I wanted my faith to continue to be a central part of my life. I spent my freshman year studying at the University of Nebraska at Omaha while living at the St. John Paul II Newman Center. At the Newman Center, I was immersed in an energetic community of young individuals who were striving for holiness. As the year went on, I began to recognize how God is at work in my life and in others’ lives each and every day. Through frequent prayer and reception of the sacraments, I grew tremendously in relationship with Christ. Along with this spiritual deepening my desire to serve God and the Church became clear.


I graduated from St. Thomas University in St. Paul, Minnesota, after for years at St. John Vianey Seminary in St. Paul. I am now at the North American College in Rome and growing in community with the seminarians there!


In my free time, I enjoy playing board games, making music, cooking, biking, playing video games, and spending time with friends and family. Some of my interests include music, graphic design, traveling, and the Saints.


If I were to offer advice to anyone discerning their vocation, I would remind them not to forget the universal call to holiness. In his inaugural homily, Pope Saint John Paul II proclaims: “Brothers and sisters, do not be afraid to welcome Christ and accept his power.”


Here, JPII boldly encourages us to cast off the fears of the world and to embrace the fullness of life that Christ offers us. In my experience, I was brought the most peace and joy once I had surrendered to God and recognized that His plan will bring me fulfillment.

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.