Eli Ziegler

Parish: St. Pius X, Rock Island

Birthdate: December 17

Seminary: Immaculate Heart of Mary Seminary: Entered 2025, Class of 2033

Why did you become a seminarian?
All my life I have been considering the priesthood. Being able to say Mass, hear confessions and provide the other sacraments to my spiritual children would be a wonderful privilege. More than anything, though, I want to follow God's will in my life and grow closer to Him. No matter what path He leads me on in the future, I believe seminary will help me to accomplish these things.

What did you do before seminary?
Before seminary, I was homeschooled and took dual-credit courses at Black Hawk Community College. I also worked for Renewal Services, refurbishing and building industrial pumps.

An interesting fact about you:
I am a black belt in Judo, and can deadlift over 400 pounds. I also have 11 siblings!