Michael Veit:  

Previously the type of work I did was laborer/construction, and I was self-employed, co-partner with my father and brother. After that I worked full-time for over 5 years as a Program Manager at a center for the mentally disabled. I am also self-employed as an Independent Direct Care Provider. I now hold a technical/supervisor job in quality assurance at a factory. I used to work part-time as a climbing, rappelling, and ropes course instructor, and am still certified to do so. I teach a teen strength training class at the YMCA. I also teach 5th grade CCD and assist with teen ministry at my parish. I was born the last of 10 children, with 16 years between the oldest and myself. My siblings and I went to Catholic elementary and middle school, but due to the unavailability of parochial high schools, we finished the last 4 years in public schools. I grew up in a middle class home. I studied graphic design for 2 years at Bowling Green State University. While there I was active in the Army ROTC but later denied enlistment because of various medical conditions. Having not been a practicing Catholic since 9th grade, I converted to Evangelical Christianity my sophomore year in college, then reverted to Catholicism. I moved back home with my parents and worked for 2 more years before going back to college at Franciscan University of Steubenville. There I majored in Philosophy and Theology (Religious Education concentration). After 3 years I finished the Philosophy/Theology degree. While in college I considered the ordained ministry. After college I studied in a theological seminary for one year before discerning that I was not called to be a priest. So I moved back to my home town, started working and bought a house. That...Expand for more