Matthew Pohlman

Theology III
North American College


Hello! My name is Matthew Pohlman, and I am from St. Gerald’s Parish in Ralston. Growing up in the same parish as many of my extended family members is incredible, as we are able to participate in the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass together often. My Mom, Dad, and four siblings have been influential in my response to the Lord’s call- even to the point of “playing Mass” with me as a child.


I remember sitting in my first grade classroom at St. Gerald the day St. John Paul II died. His death catalyzed my interest in the Catholic Faith, along with my parents’ example of faith at home. As I grew in knowledge and maturity, the Holy Spirit led my prayers toward discernment of the priesthood. My faith was strengthened throughout my four years at Skutt Catholic High School. It was during numerous interactions, musical experiences, and visits with our Lord in the school chapel that I was graced with an overwhelming excitement for the priesthood.


Sharing in the priesthood of Jesus Christ is certainly a call beyond my lowliness, but seminary formation has taught me that the Father desires that we trust in His plan. The sacrificial abandonment I believe I am called to in the priesthood will only be accomplished by the grace of Jesus Christ. I am thrilled to engage deeply in seminary formation for the sake of striving after holiness.


For those young men considering seminary or who feel a call to a priestly vocation, I urge you to persevere in prayer, and continue to grow in your relationship with the Lord. Fears will set in, but trust in Jesus. I still sing and play the piano! I still lift at the gym! I still do things that I love, but I do them in light of me being a beloved son of the Father. It’s awesome. Take courage in Moses’ words to the Israelites before they crossed the Red Sea: “The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still” (Exodus 14:14).

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.