I was born in Missouri City, Texas. I have only one younger brother named Matthew but the rest of my family is quite large. God has gifted me with a love for music and I have used that gift by playing piano, guitar, and trumpet. My first year in college, I even started taking voice lessons and started studying for a degree in choir and piano performance.

My call to the priesthood, at the time, seemed to come very suddenly and almost unexpected—but, in retrospect—God has generously prepared me my whole life. When I told my parents that I had discerned to join the seminary they were joyful and supportive. I will be the first from my family to go through formation for the priesthood, as well as one of the first from my 56-year-old parish.