Joshua Franco

My name is Josh Franco, and I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. I am blessed to call Christ the King my home parish, while also attending St. Peter’s as a dual parishioner. I am the oldest of eight kids. I love to play all kinds of sports, workout, try to teach myself guitar, spend time outside in God’s beautiful creation, and hang out with family and friends.

God’s call for me to seminary was one that I resisted for a while. I had grown up in a solid Catholic family with good priest figures in my life, but always dismissed the possibility of priesthood, thinking that I was “too cool” for that way of life.

Throughout high school at Creighton Prep, the Lord continued to provide faith outlets for me, including St. Pat’s Youth Group in Elkhorn, Ignatian Retreats, and Bible studies, but I would only let Him so far into my life. I valued praise, popularity, and my own pride more than God’s Will for me. But He never stopped pursuing me. Eventually, during my freshman year at Creighton University, the Lord made it clear through multiple spiritual events that His plan for me was to study as a seminarian. After months of trying to run from this call, I eventually surrendered by God’s Goodness.

As I begin my formation at Saint John Vianney College Seminary, I pray that I may allow the Lord to continue to walk me along the path that He has planned for me, and that I grow ever closer to Him through my studies in Philosophy and Catholic Studies. I hope to be a light of the love and joy of Jesus to all those I encounter wherever I may be. For anyone discerning a call to the priesthood, my advice would be to stay as close as you can to the sacraments, and trust that whatever God is calling you to, that He knows best! Please keep me and all of my brother seminarians in your prayers. May the peace and joy of Christ be with you always!

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.