A Q/A with seminarian Alex Rasset

What’s your name + nickname?

Alex Rasset. One of my priest professors has nicknamed me “the little one with the big smile”.

What’s your hometown and home parish?

I’m from Buffalo, MN and my home parish is St. Francis Xavier in Buffalo.

How many siblings do you have and what number are you?

I am the youngest and have two older sisters.

What’s your favorite class in seminary and why?

My favorite class was called Evangelization of Culture taught by Deacon Joseph Michalak. Deacon gave us a very insightful analysis of the state of the culture and what it will look like for us to preach the Good News of Jesus Christ in this current context.

What’s your favorite part about being in seminary?

My favorite part about seminary is the countless ways the Lord provides for receiving his love and growing closer to him. He is so generous in giving me many avenues to encounter him. From the priests who walk with me as a spiritual director and formation director, to my professors, to classes, to my seminarian brothers, and especially in daily Mass and Eucharistic adoration, there are so many things and people the Lord has blessed me with.

What’s a funny story of something that has happened at seminary?

Seminarians walk the seminary grounds in front of St. Mary’s Chapel.

I don’t have a particular story, but there have been countless times in our Moral Theology class where our professor had all of us rolling with laughter at his great story-telling and presentation.

When was the first moment you felt called to be a priest?

The first moment I felt called to be a priest was during my freshman year of high school. I was going through a small group study on prayer at my parish called “Oremus”, and during those times of learning how to pray with scripture I started to feel called to the priesthood.

You just got back from a J-Term mission trip in Mexico. What was that experience like?

It was a great experience to be in Mexico. It was powerful to pray at the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe and see the miraculous image in person. We had the opportunity to work with some very inspiring people in their ministries to the poor living in Mexico City. I was grateful to encounter them and all the people we helped serve.

What excites you the most about being a priest?

I’m just really excited to be able to be the presence of Christ for his people in this special way as a priest. I hope the Lord can use me, unworthy instrument though I am, to encounter his people with his love. Please pray for me, as that is a big task!

What’s something you have learned this year?

I’ve learned more about the early Church Fathers this past year. I’ve appreciated learning more about who they were and also learning about what they taught. In particular, my class and I got to learn about some of the teachings of St. John Cassian. I was grateful to come to know more about him and some of the other early Fathers. It’s wonderful that their wisdom and sanctity is still a special source of spiritual nourishment for the Church and her faithful to the present day.

What’s a hobby of yours?

I love growing houseplants. I love that plants are always growing and developing. There’s always a potential for them to thrive more and grow more beautiful. There’s always something to look forward to as they continue to grow new leaves. It’s exciting to see what they will look like as they grow and mature year after year.

Are you hopeful for the future of the church with what you see happening at seminary?

Yes, I am. It’s beautiful to see the ways the Lord is always providing for his Church. It’s a blessing to be in seminary in this time.

Favorite book?

The Story of a Soul by St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Favorite band or artist?

Voces 8

How many siblings do you have and what number are you?

I am the youngest and have two older sisters.

 

One Day for One Priest is Thursday, October 10Support
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