Becoming a Franciscan, Part 1

Becoming a Franciscan has been a process that started back in college...or even before. When I was little, my grandmother had a profound influence on my spirituality. She was Catholic and we grew up Lutheran. However whenever we stayed over at her house on Saturday nights, we got to go to church with her in the morning. This had a profound affect on me.

When I was a junior in high school I decided to check out Viterbo College, a Catholic Franciscan school in La Crosse WI. I wasn't sure that was where I was going to go though. I also checked out SIU Carbondale, and WIU in Macolm where I had been to at least 5 music camps. I think it was "Divine Providence" that I ended up at Viterbo.

When I was there I explored two things: a relationship with my present wife, Molly, as well as joining the Capuchin Franciscans. I was in formation with them for a long time--I went to many places in the St. Joseph's Province for retreats and ministry days, including St. Francis WI, Milwaukee, Chicago, and a number of other places. These were good times in my life.

Through a turn in events I ended up leaving formation with the Caps and I continued dating Molly. It took her three times to say yes to marrying me, but I guess the third time is the charm.