Home Parish: St. Joseph, Somerville. Seminary: St. John's Seminary. College: University of Michigan.

Graduate: Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Hobbies: Playing the violin, reading C.S. Lewis.

What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to the seminary?

I am a member of the John Paul II Society (young adult's group).

What is your favorite Scripture passage?

Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55).

What would people be surprised to know about you?

I received the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2004.

What would you say to a young man who thinks he might have a vocation?

Respond with generosity!

What influence did Pope John Paul II have in your life?

As a model of great holiness.

Through the cardinal, God is calling you personally to help rebuild His Church. How must the priest respond to this mandate today?

The priest may respond to this call by faithfully carrying out his duties, submitting himself to the most lovable and most high will of God.

Please describe the importance of prayer in your life.

It is essential.

Who influenced you/inspired you to priesthood?

The holy life of the Blessed Cure of Ars, St. John Mary Vianney, was a great inspiration.

What activities would you recommend to foster a culture of vocations?

Prayer and mortification.

What were the spiritual events or activities that helped you develop and shape your personal relationship with Christ and His Church?

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament, attending holy Mass daily, having a plan of life (i.e., a daily schedule of prayer).

What signs led you to believe that God was calling you to be a priest?

Despite my efforts to push aside such thoughts about the priesthood, they came back with even greater persistence. I began to suspect that this might actually be an authentic call from God.

What is your day like in the seminary?

I wake up at 5:45 a.m. At 7 a.m. we have morning prayer and then holy Mass. After making a brief thanksgiving, I go to the refectory for breakfast. In the morning, we normally have classes. At noon, we have lunch in the refectory. The afternoon is filled with classes and private study. I also try to take a short walk for exercise. At 5 p.m. we make our holy hour (with evening prayer). Dinner is at 6 p.m., after which the evening is spent in private study and recreation.

The Pilot, in cooperation with the Office of Vocations, is publishing a series of brief profiles of the men preparing for the priesthood in the Archdiocese of Boston. For other profiles or if you think God may be calling you to a vocation to the priesthood or religious life, visit the Vocations Office Web site at www.VocationsBoston.org.