John Schroll

Hi, I am John Schroll and I am from Omaha, Nebraska. My home parish is St. Robert Bellarmine. I attended school at St. Robert’s, Mount Michael Benedictine high school, and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. I enjoy running, playing sports, being outside, reading, and spending time with friends.

I first received the invitation to consider priesthood in middle school through participation in the Sacraments, interacting with many great priests, and through my experiences at Virtus et Veritas summer camp. Through high school, this invitation was always at the back of my mind, but it wasn’t what I wanted so I chose to ignore it and went to college. While in college I was involved with the Newman Center serving at mass, serving on the Newman Center board, attending retreats, and staying involved with Camp Virtus et Veritas. Through all these experiences, God was constantly pursuing me and deepening my faith until I had the strength and courage to say yes to his plan for me. This fall, I am going to attend Kenrick-Glennon Seminary. I am really excited to see what God has in store for me and how he is going to continue to work in my life.

For anyone discerning a vocation or really anything in life, praying this simple prayer can really help change your mindset and attitude, “Lord, help me to do what you want me to do, not what I want to do. Open my eyes to your plan for me and help me to follow it.” Praying this daily can have an impact on you if you allow it. Following God can be hard, but through consistent prayer and friendship with him and others, it becomes easier and more and more fruitful.

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.