From time to time, he thought God might be calling him to the priesthood, but he held back.
“I doubted that I was smart enough or holy enough to be a priest,” he admitted.
Instead, he went to McCook Community College, where he earned an associate’s degree in elementary education.
Still, he said, “I talked with God about the possibility of being a priest. Then I listened as best I could.”
His discernment continued as he attended St. Gregory the Great Seminary in Seward, Neb. and Mount Saint Mary Seminary in Emmitsburg, Md.
“My formation has been wonderful,” Deacon Sughroue stated. “At times, hard, but always rewarding.”
Now, his formation process is coming to an end as he prepares to be ordained. He will celebrate his first Mass at Saint Patrick Church in McCook on Sunday, May 29 at 3 p.m.
“I am looking forward to bring people to Jesus Christ through the Sacraments!” he exclaimed.
“I am extremely grateful to the people of the Diocese of Lincoln for their constant support over the past seven years,” Deacon Sughroue said. “I hope that my first parish will be patient with me as I begin my priesthood. I hope to do for them whatever they need from me.”
Deacon Matthew Zimmer
Growing up in Firth, Deacon Matthew Zimmer attended St. James Parish in Cortland, Neb. until his parents moved to Lincoln two years ago. He has two brothers and three sisters.
Deacon Zimmer first started considering a call to the priesthood when he was in the sixth grade, but pursued a career in computer programming first. A great deal of prayer, “especially novenas” led him to the seminary, where his discernment continued.
(Story continues below)
Subscribe to our daily newsletter
“I became more and more certain that this was the path God wanted for me,” he said. “The final confirmation did not come from my feelings, but rather through the Church when the bishop accepted my petition letter and called me to the priesthood.”
Deacon Zimmer is eager to celebrate the Sacraments. “Especially the Eucharist and hearing confessions,” he added.
He will have his first opportunity when he celebrates Mass at St. Teresa Parish in Lincoln on May 29.
“My greatest hope is that whatever I bring to any parish are whatever gifts God has given to me so that I can help bring people to him,” Deacon Zimmer said. “I always want to be a help for people seeking God and never be a stumbling block.”
He offered his thanks to the people of the Diocese of Lincoln.
“The prayerful support that I’ve received is much appreciated, and I ask that you continue to pray for me as I enter into this next phase,” he said,