Logan Hepp

Theology III
Kenrick-Glennon Seminary

I was born in Omaha on an unseasonably cool August morning on the feast day of St. John Vianney. Eighteen days later, on the Feast of the Coronation of Mary, I was baptized. My family lived in Kansas City, Missouri, for seven years before we headed back to God’s Country: Nebraska. I have been a parishioner of St. Stephen the Martyr since 2002. I graduated from Millard West High School and earned a bachelor’s degree in Physics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.


When I was 11, my brother helped me give my life to Jesus Christ. By the time I got to high school, though, I was living for myself. While in college in Lincoln, I got involved with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students (FOCUS). I was struggling with my faith, as many young Catholics do, but the students at the Newman Center and the FOCUS missionaries were instrumental in keeping me in the Church. I attended FOCUS’s SEEK2013 conference and had a radical encounter with our risen Lord Jesus, and I ratified my 11-year-old self’s “Yes.” My life turned 180 degrees, and I have not looked back.


My discernment of the priesthood has been an interesting journey. When I was very little, I wanted to be a hobo who rode the trains and preached the Gospel. That “dream” was relegated to the back burner, though. When I was older, I remember seeing one of the associate pastors at my parish, and I thought, “Maybe I could be like him,” but nothing more came of the thought. When I started serving at my parish, a deacon called me “Father Logan” when he saw me. I did not like that, though, because I wanted to get married and have kids. After the conference in college, my mind and heart turned toward the priesthood again. Still, that prospect scared me, and I let myself get distracted. While working as a FOCUS missionary in southwest Kentucky in 2014-15, I let my guard down enough to hear the Lord’s gentle, emphatic invitation to enter the seminary. The idea of pursuing a vocation to the priesthood was exciting and mildly terrifying, but as I have continued to dive into this mystery with God for the past seven years, I am so consoled and excited for the future. I have no doubt that the Lord’s plans for me are GOOD!

 

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.