Spotlight

Year: Junior
Major: Philosophy and Catholic Studies
Hometown: Siox Falls, SD

Activities and organizations: Asst. Master of Ceremonies for the Sioux Falls diocese (Pontifical Acolytes is a server's group I headed up for many years), St. john Vianney Seminary.

What do you like to do in your spare time: Reading (especially concerning the Roman liturgy), Movies, Music, Rec. football, Frisbee golf.

Anticipated career after Graduation: I will pursue an MA in Theology (Major Sem) St. Paul School of Divinity/Pontifical North American college.

Why did you come to UST?
After attending Catholic schools from K-12, the most important qualifier for my college was that it must be Catholic. St. Thomas happened to be the closest Catholic University to my hometown, but even more importantly, I knew about the college seminary on campus. It was about the middle of my senior year when I felt confirmation from God that he was calling me to enter the seminary and thus I was sent by my diocese to St. Thomas to begin formation in the seminary.

What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow?
Primarily, the emphasis is vocational. Being selected as a Fellow should be a constant reminder that my life is an example of the true meaning of "vocation", both to personal holiness and (God willing) to Holy Orders.

What has been your most valuable experience at UST?
My three years at St. John Vianney seminary have certainly been my most valuable experience. Inherently, the college seminary is formative of faithful, Catholic men. It is truly a blessing, whether in priesthood or marriage, to have spent to time in seminary.

How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation?
It was through God's grace that I was selected as a Fellow; I believe that through the good work and promotion of vocations on campus by the Fellows that He will even more fully reveal His plan for my life.

What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation?
There is a simple prayer that echoed louder than any other in Pope John Paul the Great's pontificate: "Be not afraid." If a young person has felt the stirrings of the Holy Spirit within his or her heart, explore the desire He gives you, allow Christ to enter. Please, never be afraid of the amazing gift He has for you! This is truly where your happiness and fulfillment await.

Aquinas Fellowship Recipients
VIEW OTHER SPOTLIGHTS	Phillip Eisenberg Aquinas Fellow
	Year: Junior Major: Philosophy and Catholic Studies Hometown: Siox Falls, SD Activities and organizations: Asst. Master of Ceremonies for the Sioux Falls diocese (Pontifical Acolytes is a server's group I headed up for many years), St. john Vianney Seminary. What do you like to do in your spare time: Reading (especially concerning the Roman liturgy), Movies, Music, Rec. football, Frisbee golf. Anticipated career after Graduation: I will pursue an MA in Theology (Major Sem) St. Paul School of Divinity/Pontifical North American college. Why did you come to UST? After attending Catholic schools from K-12, the most important qualifier for my college was that it must be Catholic. St. Thomas happened to be the closest Catholic University to my hometown, but even more importantly, I knew about the college seminary on campus. It was about the middle of my senior year when I felt confirmation from God that he was calling me to enter the seminary and thus I was sent by my diocese to St. Thomas to begin formation in the seminary. What does it mean to you to be selected as an Aquinas Fellow? Primarily, the emphasis is vocational. Being selected as a Fellow should be a constant reminder that my life is an example of the true meaning of "vocation", both to personal holiness and (God willing) to Holy Orders. What has been your most valuable experience at UST? My three years at St. John Vianney seminary have certainly been my most valuable experience. Inherently, the college seminary is formative of faithful, Catholic men. It is truly a blessing, whether in priesthood or marriage, to have spent to time in seminary. How will being an Aquinas Fellow help you discern and work towards your vocation? It was through God's grace that I was selected as a Fellow; I believe that through the good work and promotion of vocations on campus by the Fellows that He will even more fully reveal His plan for my life. What advice would you give a student about discerning their vocation? There is a simple prayer that echoed louder than any other in Pope John Paul the Great's pontificate: "Be not afraid." If a young person has felt the stirrings of the Holy Spirit within his or her heart, explore the desire He gives you, allow Christ to enter. Please, never be afraid of the amazing gift He has for you! This is truly where your happiness and fulfillment await.