Hello, my name is Caleb Kosch! I grew up in Columbus, Nebraska, and my home parish is Saint Anthony’s. I am the son of Mike and Cindy Kosch, and I am the fourth of five kids. Some of my hobbies include running, biking, hanging out with friends, reading, and surfing the web.
I first felt the calling of becoming a priest in elementary school where I was then constantly prodded with the thought of becoming a priest as I went into high school. After entering high school, I went on multiple life changing retreats, and I decided to deeply discern what God might be calling me to. I decided to try and make it to Mass more often and increase in prayer as my high school career continued. All the while, asking God for some sort of sign if this was what I was supposed to be doing. My junior year rolled around, and I went with Father Capadano and Father Roza, Vocations Director at the time, to visit a seminary with a few guys. It was after this trip that I was inspired again to pursue God’s will for my life and to apply to be a seminarian for the archdiocese.
I am currently at Saint John Vianney Seminary in Minnesota. While I am here, I hope to learn more about the Lord, grow stronger in my faith, and further discern God’s will.
For all those who are discerning the priesthood, the best piece of advice I can give is to trust in God. God has an amazing plan for all of us; it’s a better plan than we could think of for ourselves. If you feel a calling, then pray daily, talk to your parish priest, and try to go to confession consistently. It is amazing how clearly we can hear God’s voice when we are open to and pursuing his grace.
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.
