Rev. Matthew Bergschneider

Rev. Matthew Bergschneider
Ordained to the priesthood May 21, 2005
Born: 1–16–1977
Home Parish: St. Rita. Rockford, IL

I always felt a strong call to the priesthood. I grew up in a fairly large parish in my hometown that, until 1990, always had three priests. That positive experience with the priesthood, where I always had at least one priest who I could identify with well, made the priesthood something I wanted to pursue.
I come from a typical middle class Catholic family background. Regular weekly attendance at Mass was always part of my upbringing. I attended a Catholic grade school run by Dominican sisters who were very committed and I also attended Catholic high school.
I attended Illinois College, a private college in my hometown that is recognized as a very good school. I entered Illinois College after spending one semester at a community college. I did not attend college seminary out of respect for my parents' desire that I not enter the seminary at that age.
After college I called the Vocations Office and entered the seminary for the Diocese of Rockford in the fall of 1999. I have been in the seminary ever since.
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