I grew up outside of Royal Nebraska, on my family’s 4th generation dairy farm, and I attended school in Neligh Nebraska. My home parish was St.Francis of Assisi in Neligh Nebraska, the parish always felt like home and a welcoming place to me. It was where I received much of my early formation and where I remember attending mass the most growing up. The one thing I still enjoy today is the massive crucifix that takes your attention right when you enter, and reminds me always of what Jesus did for me and his love for all of us.
I sadly fell out of practice shortly after receiving confirmation and the sacraments, but thanks be to God for Focus missionaries, it was because of their presence at Wayne State, and some great friends who brought me back to the faith, it was early on with my reversion I had signs of my call to the priesthood, and was asked to pray on it. But my heart was very hard and not ready to listen to the lord, but even so he gently continued to open and crack my hard heart. For me the biggest moment was when I heard him ask me to be his priest! Though when I heard these words I felt a peace in my heart, my brain quickly became anxious and worry, and shrugged off the call for another year or so, until the Seek conference put on by Focus when I prayed and came in with the inition of greater discernment, and the 3rd men’s talk when Fr. Chase Hilgenbrinck had said in his own story those words were asked of him by God. I quickly got in contact with Fr. Scott began the long but fulfilling process of Seminary application.
To anyone discerning any vocation my words of advice are this… show up! Whether that’s mass, a rosary, bible study, retreats, conferences, and prayer! The second we give up or decide to lessen our relationship with God is when we lose sight of our identity as Beloved sons and Daughters of God. But if we show up, God will in time show us miracles and open our hearts.
I personally love to read. Some of my favorite books are Syfy, Fantasy, History,and spiritual books. I love to Hike and go for walks, I like to play chess, I love to draw maps, and also when I can bake or cook. I also love to play board games and card games.
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.
