“Yes, I was born and raised Catholic, but during my college years I adopted a more ‘minimalist approach’ to my faith. I was a business major with big aspirations and, as a young professional, my career, travels, and experiences took priority.”

Those big aspirations were swiftly fulfilled after Jonathan graduated from Northwood University in Midland. He landed a good job with a big Silicon Valley tech firm. It was a well-paid position offering him exciting opportunities to live in exciting places: over seven years in New York, two years in Dublin, Ireland, and three years in Chicago. Jonathan was the young man who had everything—but felt that something was still missing. 

“Throughout most of my life, I treated Jesus as a part-time personal assistant and not as my Lord and my God,” recalls Jonathan.

“And as a result, I found myself seeking material possessions, worldly fulfillment, approval from social media—always chasing the next big thing. It was exhausting; it was absolutely exhausting. I remember waking up one day in 2020 feeling like ‘this isn't sustainable.’ I knew I had to turn back to God with my whole heart.”

His moment of existential fatigue, coupled with a yearning for something greater, coincided with Divine Mercy Sunday during Eastertide six years ago. The devotion to Divine Mercy is associated with the apparitions of Jesus to Polish religious sister St. Faustina Kowalska (1905–1938).

“I didn't know anything about Divine Mercy Sunday. The night before, my uncle texted a video explaining the extraordinary graces that would be available. Jesus explained to St. Faustina that the very depths of his mercy are open and he ‘pours out a whole ocean of graces upon those souls,’ saying, ‘The soul that will go to confession and receive Holy Communion shall obtain complete forgiveness of sins and punishment’ (Diary, 699)."  Jonathan thought it sounded too good to be true, but had nothing to lose and everything to gain. He participated in the devotion and, as a result, his life changed—and changed utterly.

“I encountered God's unconditional love and, looking back, a conversion was taking place. At first, I was skeptical of God’s mercy, but the more I questioned it, the more he revealed himself to me for what and who he really is: Love itself.” This led to a shocking conclusion: The message of Divine Mercy proved true. “From that moment on, I desired to deepen my understanding of our Catholic faith.”

That led Jonathan to reading scripture, which led to prayer, which led to Marian devotion and a pilgrimage to Medjugorje in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which ultimately led to hearing God's claim on his life.

“It was on pilgrimage in Medjugorje, where I had gone to discern leaving my job, that I unexpectedly heard God's call to the priesthood. I couldn’t deny the call. It was clear and direct.  After the initial shock wore off, I knew this was God’s plan for my life from the beginning.”

And so, Jonathan is now one of 29 seminarians for the Diocese of Lansing. They study at three seminaries, here and abroad: the Pontifical North American College in Rome; Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit; and Saint John Vianney College Seminary in Saint Paul, Minnesota. All are assisted by your generous giving to the annual Diocesan Services Appeal.

“First and foremost, the Diocesan Services Appeal helps pay for our schooling which is a real gift” explains Jonathan.

“The Diocese is committed to forming men for the priesthood across various dimensions, including spiritual, intellectual, pastoral, and human. That is why we receive a thorough education—which is a substantial investment.”

The Diocesan Services Appeal (DSA) is an annual appeal used to sustain the ongoing, day-to-day work of the Church across the 10 counties of the Diocese of Lansing. Contributions are put to work right away in a multitude of ministries and activities that offer direct assistance to individuals and families, as well as to our parishes, schools, and affiliated Catholic organizations. That includes seminary education.

As well as tuition and board, Jonathan explains that DSA monies also fund retreats for the Diocese of Lansing seminarians—including, last summer, 30 days in prayer and silence.

“The ongoing generosity of people toward the DSA has been a support in my faith journey. For which I am very grateful. It has also been a great witness to the faith of the laity throughout the diocese and their love for the priesthood.”

By the grace of God, these are fruitful times for priestly ordinations within the Diocese of Lansing. Last year saw seven young men ordained to the priesthood—the largest ordination class in 47 years. God willing, this year will see another four new priests ordained. As for Jonathan, he is due to be ordained to the diaconate next year, with priesthood to follow in 2028.

“The support we receive from the diocese starts with Bishop Boyea,” says Jonathan. “He's our spiritual father; he's the face of the diocese. He is so supportive, so loving, so optimistic for his seminarians and the priesthood. I see the diocese as a whole as a reflection of his leadership.”

The seminarians also encounter similar excitement and support within their home parishes and those places where they’ve served during summer placements. In Jonathan’s case, that’s, respectively, Holy Rosary in Flint and Saint Mary in Mount Morris.

“The people in my home parishes treat me as family: they always inquire how I'm doing, how my studies are going, and how they can pray for me,” says Jonathan.

Finally, what is Jonathan’s message to any FAITH reader considering helping him and his seminarian brothers through donating to the DSA 2026?

“God will never be outdone in generosity,” concludes Jonathan. “I truly believe that whatever you're able to give—as little or as much as you're able—God will reward you with many blessings, and as future priests of the diocese of Lansing, we will be forever grateful.”