Greetings! My name is Kyle Wozniak. I’m the eldest of Tim and Jackie Wozniak and am from St. Columbkille Parish in Papillion, NE. I enjoy running and biking, movies and theater, music, drawing, and a few video games.
I’ve always been aware of and open to the idea of becoming a priest, especially since my First Reconciliation and First Communion in second grade, but I didn’t begin to discern more seriously until after the Vocation’s Day field trip in 6th grade. One time as I was kneeling and praying after receiving the Eucharist in 7th grade I felt the word “Father” arise in my heart. I was elated at first, believing I had been given my vocation, but I quickly realized that fatherhood is present in both marriage and the priesthood. I knew discernment wouldn’t be so clear and obvious, but I didn’t lose hope. I’ve stayed involved in my faith throughout high school at Gross Catholic, joining the Marianist LIFE Core Team and the choir, becoming a Lector and EMHC, and being blessed to attend a couple Steubenville Conferences and every National March for Life in the last 4 years.
It has been exciting to attend college at St. John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. I continue to learn and grow, both in and outside the classroom, and make friends.
I have three recommendations for anyone discerning the priesthood or any religious vocation. First, go to adoration and pray in front of the Blessed Sacrament frequently. Relationship with Christ comes before mission. Next, talk to someone about your discernment. Sometimes opening up to another person about your thoughts and desires concerning your faith is what it takes to grow deeper in understanding that desire. Lastly, learn to love learning about the faith. Become passionate to read the works of the saints and Catholic thinkers from the earliest days of Christianity to those alive today proclaiming God’s Word.
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.
