Starting seminary straight after high school, I was not sure what to expect. I wondered whether I would get along with the other seminarians, if I would fit in with the new community, what college classes would be like, and how formation would work. When I arrived at Bruté for the first time I realize I had nothing to worry about and quickly felt that Bruté was going to be a second home.  

When I met the other seminarians, I instantly understood why they call seminary a brotherhood.  I did not have any brothers growing up, so I welcomed this new experience. When people ask me my favorite part about seminary life the answer is always the community. Whether it is your brother seminarians asking to play soccer or challenging you to work on something in order to become a better individual. There is a special bond at Bruté because we are all trying to pursue God’s call. This creates an immediate trust and respect between guys and allowed me to make some of my closest friends. Even when one of my seminarian brothers discerned that God was not calling them to priesthood, the other seminarian always showed the same respect and love for having taken the time to discern God’s call. The strength given from the seminarian community is life changing and the bonds forged will stay with me forever. 

As a freshman, I was not sure what to expect of college. I wondered what type of classes I would take and would I enjoy them. Bishop Bruté and Marian University have made me feel at home. From the moment I walked on campus, I felt welcomed by the other students and the professors. Since Marian is a smaller university it allowed me to get to know my professors one-on-one. Whether it was meeting for advising, a question after class, or just stopping by to chat, I could tell the professors always wanted the best for me. The professors and other students helped deepen my philosophical understanding behind our beliefs and motivated me to achieve academic goals. I greatly appreciate the work that my professors put in to help me grow as a student and an individual.  

One of the aspects I love most about seminary is formation. The formation staff at Bruté taught me what it means to be a good Catholic man. Looking back, I am amazed at the personal growth that has taken place. I am extremely thankful for the formation process that helped me reach my potential as an individual and become the best version of myself. Thanks to the formation I have received in seminary, I have greatly matured and learned a greater appreciation of the Catholic faith. Formation has challenged me to do things I would never have otherwise done. Whether it’s working at homeless shelters, helping serve at nursing homes, or attending events like National Catholic Youth Conference (NCYC), formation at Bruté allowed me opportunities and experiences that will last a lifetime.

Now that I’m graduating, I realize truly what a gift and blessing the past four years at Bishop Bruté have been. I will carry the bonds and friendships I have forged and the growth I have experienced forever. The past four years have been some of the best years of my life and has made me realize the seminary was one of the best decisions I ever made. Although my time at Bishop Bruté is coming to an end, Bruté will always have a special place in my heart and will always be a place I call home.