M.Div., S.T.L., S.T.D. (Cand.), University of St. Mary of the Lake. Ordained a priest for the Diocese of Rockford, Illinois in 1997. A graduate of Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa. He was a member of the Peace Corps and taught math and science in the Kingdom of Swaziland located in Southern Africa. After seminary, he was an Associate Pastor for St. Bridget Parish, Loves Park, Illinois and taught Medical Ethics at Saint Anthony College of Nursing in Rockford, Illinois.