Brother Victor Schinstock, the former John Michael Schinstock, made his first profession as a Benediction monk before Abbot Gregory Polan in the Basicilia at Conception Abbey on Aug. 15.

Brother Victor, the son of Eugene and Jeanne Schinstock, is a native of St. Nicholas Parish, Kinsley. He graduated from St. Nicholas School and attended two years at Kinsley High School before his family moved to Arkansas City. His parents are now members of Holy Cross Parish, Hutchinson.

After graduating from Arkansas City High School in 2000, Schinstock attended one year at both Kansas State University and Newman University. He transferred to Conception Seminary College in 2002 and graduated in 2004.

Brother Victor shared the following about his call to a religious vocation. "I taught Totus Tuus for the Diocese of Wichita in the summer of 2002. That’s when I learned to listen while praying, and I got the idea that God was calling me to priesthood. While studying here at Conception, I thought that God might be calling me to the monastic life, but I wanted to be a diocesan priest. When I finally said yes to the monastic life, a great weight was lifted from me and I knew it was right. The idea of teaching young men in the seminary and helping them discern their call requires a life of grace. God brought me here for a reason. I didn’t choose Conception, God chose it for me."

Brother Victor is currently the assistant to the Abbey Vocation Director, assistant to the Director of Recruitment and Admissions for the Seminary, and assistant sacristan. First or simple profession of vows may be followed by solemn or permanent vows after three years.