Luke Olson

Parish: St. Pius X, Rock Island

Birthdate: February 20

Seminary: Mundelein Seminary: Entered 2019, Class of 2027

Why did you become a seminarian?
After being timidly intrigued by the priesthood for many years, I began altar serving at my home parish as a high school freshman. While  serving, I slowly started to fall in love with the Mass, the priesthood, and most importantly, the Eucharist. This growing love for the Eucharist was the first step I needed to begin to cultivate a deeper and more authentic prayer life, which allowed me to more clearly hear the voice of God and respond to His will for my life. During this time, I came to realize that the Father had placed a deep desire in me to be configured into the image of his Son and to give my life in dedication to his mission, the salvation of souls. By the selfless and complete gift of Himself, Christ brought new life to the human race. His perfect example drew me to want to make a complete gift of myself and dedicate my life to continue Christ’s outpouring which is perpetuated by the sacraments. 

What did you do before seminary?
I joined seminary right after finishing high school. I was homeschooled right up until seminary. While in high school, I worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at Black Hawk Community College, where I was also attended as a dual-enrolled student. 

An interesting fact about you:
I have an interest in making and flying scratch-built RC planes.