These factors, combined with a strong desire to understand
the fullness of Christian teaching, brought me through the course
of years to understand the singular truth of Roman Catholicism.
A Catholic in spirit, I made the decision to convert in high school,
but for various reasons, I waited till I finally lived away from
home, at grad school, to undergo the RCIA process. I received the
rites of initiation in April 2004.
While still working on a master's in history, I discerned two years
later that the time had come to apply for seminary. I had for years
hoped to serve the Church eventually (either as monk or priest),
and planned to wait some years after officially converting before
taking the step; I set about becoming a medieval history professor
in the interim. My graduate experience at UMass Amherst, taken as
a whole, was the most valuable one of my life. The spiritual life
of the Newman Center and the great friends I made have been a source
of great joy and support for me. Academically & vocationally,
the grad experience demonstrated that a lay academic career, even
only temporary, was not for me. I abandoned applying for a doctorate
and discerned my vocation more fully. I was having trouble deciding
whether to pursue only religious brotherhood or the priesthood.
Finding the strength and need to serve to the fullest extent possible,
I decided to apply to Springfield for the possibility of serving
as a diocesan priest, and perhaps an Army chaplain. When I look
back now, I feel I see God's plan, in so many ways, leading me to
the priestly life. My brothers, look at your lives and consider
how your varied experiences have shaped you. If you find yourself
open to a greater, more selfless service, consider a priestly or
religious vocation. "Be soldiers." (John Paul II)