What is your current place of employment and title?
I work Head of Mission and Development at The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies in Lincoln, NE.
What brought you to this position?
The Emmaus Institute was founded in 2019 out of a passion for the study of Scripture and a deep desire to bring people into a deeper engagement with Jesus. After completing four years with FOCUS and completing my graduate studies in theology, being asked to help build the Emmaus Institute was an exciting and providential opportunity. It was a chance to bring my family back to Lincoln and do what I love doing—walking with individuals as they encounter the abundant life they were made to live.
How has your work at The Emmaus Institute for Biblical Studies impacted you?
There’s an adage that goes, “In learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn.” This is consistently the most exciting and humbling part of my job as a teacher of Scripture. I love accompanying others and opening their hearts and minds through learning about the Bible, but I feel that I am always the one that leaves with the greatest blessing. I am constantly being shaped by the lives and faith of those I encounter.
How does your faith play into your role?
My role at Emmaus is inseparable from my faith. You are only as convincing as you are convinced in something. Therefore, my personal growth in holiness must be the bedrock to everything I do as a teacher and employee.
How do you see your work evolving?
I see the work of Emmaus being a harbor for growth in faith and evangelization in these increasingly secular times. We are privileged to serve in vocational training for seminarians, religious, and catechists, and I only see this growing. I also see our engagement with the day to day parishioner growing—as it already is. I see Emmaus as a resource for individuals who want to grow in love and knowledge of their faith, as well as for home and Bible study group leaders who are seeking dynamic and trusted content for community-based growth.
Tell us about the podcast FAD&DAD.
FAD&DAD is, quite literally, a dream come true. I had a dream once that my good friend, Fr. Andrew Dickinson (F.A.D.), and I were creating a podcast and we called it FAD&DAD—and now, well, that’s what we do!
To be entirely honest, FAD&DAD is a place where two good friends get to come together to share life and our common love for the faith, and whoever wants to listen in is more than welcome. We look to the wisdom of the early Christians and Church fathers to help us navigate the bigger questions we continue to wrestle with today in what it means to walk with Christ and his Church.
What initiatives or projects are you hoping to start or finish in the coming years?
Beginning this year, I am thrilled that through my work with Emmaus I will be leading a pilgrimage this summer to Rome and Assisi, Italy for the 2025 Jubilee of Hope. Alongside Fr. Cole Kennet (another Pius X alumnus) we will set out to study the heart of the Word from the heart of the Church. On the first leg of the trip, we will spend time visiting the home of St. Francis and St. Clare, as well as the body of Blessed Carlo Acutis, exploring the biblical roots of what inspired their love for Jesus, particularly through the Eucharist and the Cross. On the second leg of the journey, we will spend time in Rome and the Vatican to ponder the riches of Christ, as He is revealed in the Scriptures and as the Church witnesses to Him in her sacramental life, put on full display in the historic basilicas and cathedrals that line are those ancient roads. Future pilgrimage plans are already in the works, and I can’t wait to see what the Lord has in store through these opportunities.
What has been your greatest achievement since leaving Pius in 2011?
Marrying my wife, Elizabeth, and bringing our four sons into the world are by far my greatest achievements.
When not working, what hobbies or activities do you enjoy doing?
When I’m not working, I’m spending time with my family. In a house of four little boys, there are always new and exciting sights, sounds, and smells to go around (more than anyone ever needs). Whether it’s a basement foosball tournament, a weekend sporting event, a summer pool day, or family movie night, we love doing life together and I have no plans to change that.
Tell us about Elizabeth and your family.
Elizabeth (Wiest) ’11 is a proud school nurse at Riley Elementary School. In our house, religion questions go to Dad and scrapes, bumps, and bruises go to Nurse Mom (and you can imagine which occurs more frequently in a house of boys!). Our family belongs to St. Joseph church and school here in Lincoln. Our oldest two boys currently enjoy playing soccer and basketball; our third is a master of trains and puzzles; and we just welcomed our fourth this past October. It has been a joy to see these older boys rally around their new baby brother and soak in every moment of being a big brother (again).
What memories do you have of Pius X High School?
The first thing I think of when I think back to my time at Pius is the relationships I built there. Firstly, it is where my wife and I began dating—and we haven’t stopped since. Second, from my children’s godparents, to gaining lifelong friends and mentors, so many of those relationships have their origins at Pius. For that, I am forever grateful.
