I was raised in a family of six kids, a mother and a father (now deceased). We always ate our evening meal together and shared many of the same friends. All of us, I am proud to say, have a special relationship with each family member.

My parents believed in education. They were active in their local church. My parents are true believers in Christ who did not attend or regard Mass as an empty ritual. I owe my faith to them. Because of them, I had a good Catholic foundation for my current beliefs, and have had a wonderful life with Jesus.

My favorite prayer request is for Christian fellowship. All the relationships that God has brought to me have had an impact on my life that cannot be explained. They have introduced me to another part of Jesus that I would not have recognized on my own. I love the Lord and thank him for the life he has given me.

I work hard and I play hard, with all sorts of hobbies and interests. I ski, run, bike ride, swim, hike, springboard dive, scuba dive --- the list goes on. I love using tools and working with my hands. I collect and restore knives, rebuild mechanical clocks, automobile engines, automobiles, boilers, make models, and more. I am a jack of all trades --- and master of none, but I enjoy them nonetheless.

My background is in healthcare. I am a mechanical engineer who is used to analytical, objective and scientific subjects. Which means that my studies at St. John's Seminary may be very difficult for me, because theology and philosophy classes provide a completely different set of challenges. Yet I am excited about being challenged this way.

I have always felt that it is good to be a little anxious when taking a step. I truly cannot say that I know what to expect.

I have always had a desire to become a priest and I now realize that the Lord wanted me to wait until I could truly appreciate what being a servant for Christ is. The wait has taught me to understand the suffering of others. It has taught me to deal with people and to thrive on their journeys and insights. I have learned the importance of responsibility and commitment. I have learned how my sins affect not just me, but others and the whole world.

I have grown to truly love the Catholic Church and her traditions as part of my relationship with Christ. I am very excited to answer the call to become a Catholic priest, and I pray that I will always live a life that will glorify the name of Jesus Christ.

This is part of a periodic series spotlighting those in formation for priesthood for the Archdiocese of Los Angeles. For information on priesthood, contact the Office of Vocations, (213) 637-7248.