A Life for Christ: Continuing Education

Hi Friends and Family - Hello! I am writing this from Italy where I have been for the last two months. For those of you that I did not tell, I came to Italy to discern with a community of Franciscans that have their motherhouse here. After about two months with the community, I have decided that God is not calling me to pursue a religious life here. This naturally led to the question of, “What next?”

My desire for the priesthood is still very clear. Also, I have a clear desire for study. Those two factors brought to prayer, gave me the conviction that God is asking me to continue my discernment and formation through philosophy studies. In an effort to make good use of this time, I am currently enrolled in nine credit hours of online philosophy at Franciscan University of Steubenville. My plan is take nine credit hours this fall and then nine more in the spring. Each credit hour is $600. In addition to books and other associated costs, I am estimating that the total price tag will be around $12,000. See below for an itemized list.

If you are able to donate that would be wonderful. But regardless of your donation I will expect your thoughts and prayers for me in this fundraising endeavor and for my vocation. That is far more important. May God bless you and thanks so much for the gift of your friendship and your love.

In Jesus,

Matt

N.B. as of 11/10: I am in Honduras doing discernment and mission work here with abandoned boys at a Franciscan Friars of the Renewal mission. As a part of being a missionary, I need to fundraise $1,500 more. I have added that total to my fundraiser.

P.S. GoFundMe takes a chunk of your donation (~3%). If you use Venmo or PayPal or send money to me some other way I can keep 100% of it. And then I manually add your donation to my goal. See below for those other options. If not, don't worry about it. God bless you and please keep praying for me!

Venmo: @Matt-Piwko

PayPal: Nine Seven Three Nine Zero Three Seven Two Five Two

Zelle: (same phone # as PayPal)

P.P.S. I have included a few responses to anticipated questions below!

Why do you need to take the philosophy classes now? Can't you just wait until seminary? Won't they cover your educational expenses then?

Do I need to take these classes? No. But does anyone need to do anything in this life? When we really break down that question, we find the answer is also, "No." This is a question not of need but of desire. I feel that God wants me to make the most use of the time He has given me. He has lit an inferno in my heart for study and for truth, and I want to take full advantage of that while it is present. He promises us nothing in this life. As the question suggests, I can wait until seminary and yes, they will cover the educational expenses then - though the expenses are still paid for by donations from generous benefactors – but I want to use this time well. I want to give my heart what it wants. All my prayers are pointing me towards taking these classes, so if it is God's will — and the will of our Immaculate Mother — it will happen.