Andrew Melliger

Hello, my name is Andrew Melliger, and I grew up on a farm outside of Columbus, Nebraska. My home parish is St. Anthony’s. I am the son of Brent and Carmen Melliger, and am the third of ten children. Some of the things I like to do in my free time include reading, leatherworking, piano, board gaming, and hanging out with friends.

I first deeply felt the call to become a priest when I attended Leadership Camp as a sixth grader. Leadership Camp is a week-long Catholic youth camp for boys, and it was there that I first really encountered seminarians and were able to interact with them. The desire continued to grow as I grew older, and when I entered my junior year of high school, I felt moved to talk to Fr. Scott, the vocation director. Over the next two years, he brought me on two seminary visits and several discernment retreats. It was largely because of these trips that I decided to answer the Lord’s call and enter the seminary. I am currently in the Propaedeutic Year at St. Gregory the Great Seminary.

My advice to those who are considering entering the seminary is to focus on your prayer life. Consistently spend time in honest prayer with our Lord. When we focus on our relationship with Him, He will let the pieces fall in place. We only need to trust Him.

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.