Get to Know Our New Chaplain, Fr. Jacob Martini!

Q: Tell us about your family, where you grew up, where you did your schooling, and what prompted you to pursue a priestly vocation?

A: I grew up as the middle-child in a family of 5. I was born and raised down I-80 in Ottawa, IL where I was the last graduating class of St. Patrick’s Grade School.

I then went to Marquette Academy for high school before getting my degree in Mechanical Engineering at Bradley University. It was at Bradley that the seeds of faith grew that had been planted during my time at Marquette. It was at my senior retreat in adoration that I had an encounter with Jesus Christ where I stopped asking what I want to do with my life and started asking what does God want me to do with my life. In college, I got involved with the Newman Center and went on some retreats with them. Little by little the Lord made it known to me that I needed to go to seminary. After graduating Bradley University, I went to seminary at Mount St. Mary’s Seminary in Emmitsburg, MD.

Q: What excites you about being named the new chaplain for Alleman?

A: Above all, I’m excited, humbled, and honored to be part of the Alleman family! It was in high school that I encountered the Lord. It is an exciting opportunity to in a similar way walk with young people when they’re starting to ask those big questions and finding out who they are.

Q: What bible passage is your favorite or has significant meaning to you? And why?

A: Ps 116:12-14 is one of my favorites. Truly, God has been so good to me in my life, and continues to be so that I am humbled by His goodness. All I can do is fulfill my vows to lay down my life.

Q: What are your hobbies?

A: For fun, I love being active. Sports have always been a part of my life, so I love playing sports. In high school, I played football, basketball, and baseball. Then after that I played pretty much every intramural sport offered. I still try to stay active, and even did a Triathlon in June.

Q: Anything else you want to add to let people know more about you?

A: Though both of my siblings went to St. Ambrose and Palmer, I have not spent a lot of time in the Quad Cities! Also, I am a Cubs fan!