Seminarian Profile: Lucas Rossi

Do your family and friends think it is a good idea that you're becoming a priest?
My family has generally been supportive. However, when a young man decides to go into the seminary, the whole family usually takes time to adjust to the decision. Each family is different. Most of my close friends have been supportive as well.

Do you ever have any fun? What do you do in your free time?
I enjoy spending time with my seminarian brothers while I am at the seminary. Many of us also go out to eat at different restaurants, and sometimes go to movies. There are also many social activities at the seminary on weekends. These can include football tournaments, basketball tournaments, and trivia nights.

How many brothers and sisters do you have?
I have one brother, Aaron, who is a year and a half younger than I.

What is your favorite TV program?
Everybody Loves Raymond

How is a seminary different from a regular school?
The subject matter is quite different. The focus is on the Catholic faith, understanding Church teaching and theology, the study of God.

How often do you see your family?
I see my family during my semester breaks and major holidays (e.g Christmas and Easter)

Can you really be happy as a priest since priests don't make much money?
I never considered money in deciding to enter seminary and discern priesthood. Money is not what makes one happy. Rather, it is the joy of following God's call which gives true happiness.

How often do you pray?
I pray everyday at several, select times. It is the driving force in my life that keeps me in communion with God.

Who helped you decide to become a priest?
I was helped by many of the priests in our diocese, especially Fr. Gary Caster, the chaplain at the St. Robert Bellarmine Newman from 1999-2005 and the former pastor of St. Philomena's Church in Peoria, Fr. Greg Ketcham. Our vocation director, Fr. Brownsey, was also very instrumental in helping me enter into discernment.

When did you decide to study to be a priest?
I decided to enter the seminary in the summer of 2004.

How did you know God was calling you to be a priest?
I first felt the call to priesthood during Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament at the college Newman center. During a time of prayer, the Lord spoke in my heart and said: "Be a priest." I was dating at the time and held those words in my heart for a few years. I prayed more about my vocation and talked with a spiritual director. When I was about to finish my senior year in college, I soon realized God was calling me to enter into the seminary and consider priesthood. The call to discern priesthood had grown in my heart and the desire only grew stronger. After visiting a seminary and with much prayer, I decided to withdraw from my college, ended my relationship, and entered the seminary in the fall of 2004. Though these decisions were very difficult, it was a most exciting and blessed time.

What do you think the best thing will be about being a priest?
As a priest, it will be exciting to be the presence of Jesus Christ in a world so desperately in need of His love and mercy.