Zachary Moren

Class: II College

 

Home Parish: St. Norbert

 

Family information: how big is your family?  Are you an uncle?
I have one brother and live with my mother.

 

What schools have you attended?
For grade school, I attended St. Katherine of Siena.  For high school, I attended Archbishop Carroll High School

 

When did you enter the seminary?
2010

 

What/Who influenced that decision?
I was influenced by my parish priests.  My youth minister also helped me by pointing me to the right people to speak with around our parish in order to properly discern this possible calling of mine.

 

Why do you want to be a priest?
I feel that God is calling me to be a priest.  I want to bring others closer to God and feel His awesome love for us.  To me, becoming a priest is the greatest way to do so.

 

What do your family and friends think about your decision?
They varied from praise and affirmations to slightly offending comments.  Most of my friends were very happy for me and my family is very proud of my decision.

 

How often do you pray?
I reserve at least 1.5-2 hours worth of personal prayer time a day.  I also take part in the Liturgy of the Hours with the rest of my seminary brothers.

 

What do you do for fun?
I play sports.  I also play guitar and write music.  I enjoy relaxing and spending time with friends the most.

 

What is it like living in a seminary?
It is difficult but very rewarding. I am blessed daily by countless works of the Lord.  You are challenged in most aspects of life and can really help bring you into communion with the Lord.  You also have support from your friends here at the seminary to encourage you and push you if you are struggling in a certain part of formation.

 

What is the best part of the seminary for you?
The communal prayer and daily Mass with my brother seminarians.  They encourage me without even having to say words.

 

What is the hardest part of seminary for you?
Being able to balance school work and still continue to grow spiritually.

 

What advice would you tell a young man thinking about the priesthood?
That we are all called to something great as children of God; we just need to figure out what that is.  The seminary is an amazing tool that God gives young men.  You also should talk about your feelings with someone you can trust. Your Vocation Director will also give you great advice.  Spend time with the Blessed Sacrament and pray as much as you can.