Fr. Michael Wanta

In the four months of priesthood before coming to Watertown in November 2021, I have been edified and humbled to witness God’s powerful interventions into the lives of His children. I have come to better understand the priesthood as the ministry of reconciliation of all men and women through Jesus Christ, and in the Holy Spirit, to God the Father. I have seen this reconciliation take place so beautifully in the sacraments of the Eucharist and Confession. I am excited to invest into the Watertown community and to see what the Lord providently brings. Please pray for me as I will be praying for all of you!

Hobbies/Interests: Although I don’t get the chance very often, I enjoy camping, backpacking and mountain climbing. I was the president of the rock-climbing club in college, and I’ve hiked the Camino de Santiago in Spain. I grew up playing hockey but also gave cross country, frisbee, basketball and soccer a try. Running and frisbee have stayed with me the longest. I pretend that I like to read, but really, I enjoy talking about ideas rather than reading about them.

Family: I was born and raised in Oregon, WI. My parents are originally from Milwaukee but went to UW-Madison, where they settled down. I am the third out of four children, with an older brother and sister, and a younger sister. I went to public school through fifth grade, but then attended catholic school through high school.

Education: Bachelors of Arts in Theology and Classical Studies from Seton Hall University; Pontifical Bachelor of Sacred Theology from the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome.