Lloyd Warren

Hello, my name is Lloyd Warren, and my home parish is St. Wenceslaus. I am the oldest of four and love athletics, especially lacrosse, football, weightlifting and other recreational activities. I graduated from Millard North High School and then attended one year at Benedictine College, where I played on the lacrosse team, before joining seminary.

I began to discern the priesthood towards the end of my junior year of high school. It began with admiration for the priests in how they dedicate themselves to a life of service and a purpose greater than themselves. I also admired the joy with which the priests lived their lives. A big turning point for me was going to confession after 4 years and receiving the love and mercy of Christ. From that point on, I started frequenting the sacraments and received great joy by growing closer to our Lord. Over time, often in times of Adoration in front of the Blessed Sacrament, I felt calls, almost like a subtle gravitational pull, towards the idea of possibly being a priest and serving God in this way. This feeling never left and only grew stronger. Now I am attending Saint John Vianney Seminary in further pursuit of the Lord’s will for my life.

To anybody currently discerning the priesthood, I encourage a daily devotion to the rosary as well as setting aside time each day to spend in the presence of the Lord in adoration.

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.