Upon graduating from college with a degree in Theology in the mid-1980s, Michael began work as a catechist in various positions around the upper Mimdwest, including working as a youth minister, parish director of religious education, and as a high school religion teacher. After obtaining a master's degree in religious studies, he worked as a diocesan director of religious education before deciding to switch gears and attend law school. He then spent the better part of the next 20 years as a civil attorney, practicing primarily in the areas of estate planning, tax, and securities law.
About six years ago, with one eye on his plans for retirement and the other on what was happening in the Church, he and his wife began a long process of prayerful discernment concerning what they would do duing their "retirement" years. As a result, in the fall of 2018, he left his corporate law practice and began a 3-year course of studies at the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome, Italy for a license in canon law. Upon graduating in June 2021, he and his wife will continue living in Rome this fall, where he will complete his work on a doctorate in canon law focusing on the rights of priests.