Chaz Zurcher

Dan Szalewski

My name is Chaz Zurcher and I was born in Omaha, Nebraska. I first lived in Bellevue for three years then moved to Papillion and have been here since then. I was born to Chuck and Kim Zurcher and have an older sister, Shannon, and a younger brother, John. I have truly been blessed and privileged with a great family.

My home parish has been St. Columbkille Parish where I also attended elementary school there as well. I later graduated high school from Papillion-LaVista in 2007. From there I attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for two years. I couldn’t think of a better place to call home as I have been blessed to be surrounded by so many amazing teachers, priests, and friends.

While at UNL I really was involved with FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students) and the Newman Center. I attended daily mass and was involved in a bible study and leading a study of my own. It was at my time at UNL where I first felt being called to the seminary and to the priesthood. While at the Newman Center I was surrounded by so many college students who literally were giving their lives to God. It was their example, especially the example and witness of my sister, Shannon, who was attending UNL at the same time, that weighed on my heart of following her lead, and for the first time in my life asking God what He wanted from me. At first I was very scared to place my life, hopes, dreams, and desires into His hands but He continually gave me the guidance, graces, and help to do so. With a lot of prayers, silence before the Lord, and partaking in the sacraments on a regular basis I felt that God was calling me to discern my vocation at Saint John Vianney Seminary.

Saint John Vianney Seminary is a great place to discern God’s will for you. You are surrounded my amazing men who are also pushing you along the journey towards Christ, you have holy priests that are there to guide you and administer the sacraments to you on a daily basis. It is a place to hear God’s voice and ultimately shape you into the man God has made you to be.

For anyone who is discerning the call to the priesthood I want to tell you to not be afraid for God is always with you. He knows what is in your heart and what desires and passions you have. They key is to place all of who you are and all of who you want to be into God’s hands and ask Him where He wants you to go. Remember that God is never out done in generosity and if you are you give Him your life He will give you so much back. Pray, hope, and do not worry.