I grew up in Fort Calhoun and have lived there all my life. Growing up, I loved playing in the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and sports. These are still some of my favorite hobbies today, along with reading, drinking coffee, and of course, praying. During my senior year of high school, I committed to play football at Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas. When I arrived at Benedictine, I did not know Jesus personally; I only knew facts about Him. During my first week at Benedictine, I attended an Alpha Retreat, which included talks, small groups, adoration, and praise and worship. During adoration, I felt the Lord move my heart to Him for the first time, and my life was never the same. I quickly joined a Bible study, and it was here that I found a solid group of men who showed me what it meant to be a holy man. In my sophomore year of college, I decided to change my major to Theology and Evangelization & Catechesis, for I was thirsting to know Jesus more. Throughout college, I led Bible studies and was a part of numerous groups on campus.
The initial pull toward the priesthood occurred when I was a child. Since I was young, the idea of being a priest sounded wonderful. Over time, that thought became more purified. The summer before my senior year at Benedictine, I decided to apply to the seminary. There was a certain longing in my heart for Jesus. I knew that going to seminary would bring me closer to fulfilling this longing. This desire for the seminary became more prevalent as I continued to be aware of the promptings the Lord was placing on my heart and through daily prayer. I am in my first year of Seminary at Kenrick-Glennon in Saint Louis, Missouri.
My advice for a man discerning a possible vocation to the priesthood is to simply follow Jesus and be willing to give Him your “yes.” God calls all of us to holiness, and He has a specific way that you will be a saint. Be willing to follow where the Lord calls!
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.
