Often my name is a source of confusion for English speaking people. My first and middle name are Polish names that stand for Richard Steven and it is usually the way I introduce myself. It is not coincidence that my name is Polish because I was born and raised in the southern part of Poland. My family lived on a farm. I have three sisters and five brothers. I am the second youngest.  All but one of my siblings is married and has children. I have twenty nieces and nephews. 
 After getting an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering, I entered the Diocesan Seminary in Tarnow, Poland. Two years later, due to the large number of priests in Poland, I discerned that I should move somewhere else where the need for priests is greater.  In 2002, I came to SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan.  SS. Cyril and Methodius Seminary gave us a timeline of two years to find a Bishop that would accept us into his Diocese.  I decided to come to Buffalo. In 2004, after being accepted at Christ the King Seminary I began my theology studies. 
 Currently I am a third year theologian, hoping to graduate and be ordained next year. Ever since I discerned a vocation to the priesthood, I have been a happy person. It does not mean I always laugh or that my life became easier. Answering God’s call gave me an internal joy. I believe that each of us has a specific vocation. The only way to find true happiness in life is to follow God’s call.