Luke Gunderson

College I
Saint John Vianney Seminary

I grew up in District 66, attending Westside schools. Growing up I loved baseball, playing sports, and having fun with my friends and family. Now I weightlift, pray, and hang out with family!

During high school, I decided to explore my faith. I was Catholic growing up, but never dove headfirst into its depths. Throughout my 4 years at Westside, I experienced a major interest as I listened to priests’ conversion stories via YouTube! There I experienced God’s power through others. I knew I had to practice my faith so I started attending a high school youth group at my home parish, Christ the King.

My first interest in the priesthood happened when I watched a conversion story on Dr. Fr. Calloway. His radical change made me feel excited about my faith! I wanted what he had so I started praying the rosary! While praying the rosary for a couple of months a memory came to mind when Fr Cook said I would make a good priest. I was shocked this came to mind and started reflecting on my life asking “Is the Lord calling me to be a priest?”. I saw my desires growing up had matched everything in a priest’s ministry. So, I became excited and started thinking about seminary.

I am entering the Saint John Vianney Seminary in St. Paul, Minnesota. I am looking forward to the fraternity with my brothers! I know they will be faith-filled and honest.

Anyone who has an interest in seminary should first reflect on his gifts. Know your strengths and continue to grow those gifts! Pray in front of the Eucharist and pray the rosary. These will lead you to Our Lord’s Will and trust what he says even if it surprises you!

Long Live Christ the King!

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.