School: Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary
Home Parish: St. Mary, Crown Point

I am from Crown Point, IN and grew up going to St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Valparaiso. I am the 3rd of 5 kids, whom my parents, Ivan and Brianna Pierce, all raised Catholic. I am drawn to the priesthood because I am drawn to giving my entire self to Christ. I want to give my life to proclaiming the Kingdom of God. One great role model for me has been my Dad because he has brought me to love prayer.

One of my favorite Scripture verses is John 17:24, “Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me.” This is in the prayer of Jesus to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane. I love this verse because it shows the love that Christ has for me. He came from the glory of Heaven to die so that I may be there with Him. This gives me inspiration to live my life for His sake.