I grew up in Ralston and attended St. Gerald School most of my primary schooling. Throughout grade school, I enjoyed tubing, skiing behind a boat, and playing any type of game. Sports-wise, I primarily played football, basketball, and baseball, but I enjoy playing any sport these days. You will often find me outside playing spikeball. I also enjoy video games, board games, and card games. My family likes to bond over playing games. It can get a little intense at my house, but that is how we like it. When I am not hanging out with my folks, I can be found writing poems or reading. I am currently enjoying the Lord of the Rings for the first time.
After eighth grade, I went to and lived at Mount Michael Abbey School for four years. At the Mount, I had my first intimate encounter with the Lord in prayer by simply allowing myself to be present before the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. I was able to receive the Lord’s peace in that moment. I am still learning to grow in being present to the Lord, which has brought me so many graces. The love the Lord showed me and continues to show me has been my anchor in my life and has guided me down His path.
I began discerning the priesthood during high school. The Lord put a great desire in my heart to serve others and to live out my faith well. There have been many twists and turns and difficult moments in my discernment. Still, I am graced to continue receiving the good the Father always wants to provide me. I desire to continue to receive the Lord in every part of my being so that it may not be me but Christ who lives in me.
After high school, I attended college at UNO. I lived at the St. John Paul II Newman Center to continue my discernment. Living at the Newman Center was a great blessing. The Lord gave me the grace to grow in my spiritual and communal life in many ways that I didn’t even know were possible. During my time there, I was engaged in many aspects of life, such as FOCUS Bible studies and their discipleship program, serving at Mass, serving as the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and student pro-life groups. However, one of the greatest blessings was encountering countless amazing people and living abundantly with them. I am so grateful for those who walked with me and encouraged me to become the man God created me to be. The friendships I formed at the Newman Center are deeply rooted in me.
I am currently discerning my vocation further at St. Paul Seminary in Minnesota. The Propaedeutic Program, in which I am enrolled, allows me to engage in a great education in Holy Scripture, the catechism, formation, and much more. The program also provides ample time to foster relationships with the amazing men I am with and the Lord, who asks me to remain in Him, and He will provide.
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.
