Zachary J. Schmitz

Who inspired you to be a priest?

Fr. Darrel Kempf is one of the main reasons I am currently discerning a vocation to diocesan priesthood. He has inspired me in the simplicity and great love with which he lives his life. Everything he does is ordered for the greater glory of God and the building up of his kingdom.

Why do you want to be a priest?

Jesus said that he has come so that we may have life and have it more abundantly. Christ has invited me to participate in the life he promised and to share his life and love with others.

What do you love the most about seminary?

My favorite part of seminary is that it is built on an atmosphere of greatness. The seminarian life demands that each and every man die to themselves in a unique way so that they can be transformed into new men in Christ for the greater glory of God.

What are you most grateful for?

I am most grateful for the opportunity to “have been crucified with Christ that I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” (Galatians 2:20)