Dcn. Charles Luke

Configuration IV

Parish: Holy Name of Jesus, Sheboygan

Seminary:  Saint Francis de Sales

Birthday:  May 16

Intercessor:  Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Tell us your vocation story:

Thanks to my parents, I received a very good Catholic education and have always had a consistent sacramental life. This served as tinder which then caught a spark in high school when a priest introduced me to St. Thomas Aquinas’ teachings on the Eucharist. This helped me to appreciate together both the mystery and the reasonableness of the Catholic Faith. My faith was deepened in college by two very important things which motivated me to discern the priesthood. The first was that I learned how to pray - I learned how to consistently set aside a portion of time every day to sit in front of the Blessed Sacrament and listen to the Lord. The second was I became involved in work as a lay missionary, through the catechetical program Totus Tuus. Totus Tuus gave me the opportunity to give myself 100% to prayer and ministry for a summer while also giving me experience in parish and diocesan youth ministry. Following two summers as a missionary, I decided that seminary was the next step, so I applied and was accepted the same year I finished my undergraduate degree.

What is the greatest challenge facing a man considering the seminary?

I think a big challenge in discerning a vocation is the desire to have a definitive answer to our questions. Discernment is less about figuring something out than it is about a relationship with the Lord. This requires a lot of patience and that can be quite challenging.

What is your favorite Psalm verse and why?

Psalm 5:7 “But I through the greatness of your love have access to your house.” I love this verse because although it was written about the Jerusalem temple, it is literally true of the Church. The Church is the house of God which we are adopted into because of the greatness of His love.

What are your favorite activities outside of the seminary?

Hailing from the northern part of the Archdiocese, I enjoy the outdoors, anything near or on the water, and spending quality time with friends. Sports and choral singing are among my pastimes.

Where do you like to go to pray?

I like to pray in dark churches. For me, turning off the lights adds to the silence of the space and allows me to pray better.

Where do you do your best studying?

I am a big fan of the Salzmann Library. It’s a beautiful building that has received some much-needed care in the last few years.

Which saint should people ask to intercede for your vocation?

St. John Paul II.