Fr. Lukas Časta

diocesan priest

Lukas was born in Kitchener in 1997, and his family moved to the Madawaska Valley area in 2000, eventually becoming parishioners at St. Hedwig’s Parish in Barry’s Bay. He is the third oldest of nine children, and spent three years in his undergraduate program at Seat of Wisdom College, before entering St. Augustine’s Seminary in 2017. He was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 2024 at St. Columbkille Cathedral.

Vocation Story

My vocation story does not involve a sudden moment of inspiration or dramatic conversion, but rather it has been an experience of the continual call of Christ and draw toward Himself. Growing up, my family practiced the faith devoutly; and after I received my First Communion, I began serving Mass, often daily. Over time, I became immersed closely in the Eucharist was privileged to serve so many times at the altar. With the support of a good and reverent pastor, I discovered the desire to spend the rest of my life close to the altar in the service of Christ and His Church. I remember first telling my parents about this when I was twelve or thirteen. I continued to serve at Mass, growing there in my relationship with Christ.

Both my time at Seat of Wisdom College and St. Augustine’s Seminary have been a time of grace and growth, where I have been privileged to dive deeper into the truth, goodness, and beauty of the faith. Not that this growth was always straightforward; I definitely went through moments when my enthusiasm waned, and I struggled to spend time in prayer or grow in virtue. However, I never lost the desire to do what Christ called me to, and in those low moments would realize that the call never changed. I still believe that now, and although the years spent studying in the Seminary have not been easy, over time I have realized what was most important in my life and my calling: a relationship with Christ. I am convicted that I have been called by Him to serve in His Priesthood, and whatever highs and lows I may go through, I am still called, and all the grace I need is there to carry me through and to pick me up and revitalize me whenever I struggle. Christ truly is for me yesterday, today and forever. I trust in His grace and mercy, and in His call. I am now nearing the end of my studies, and I look forward with hope to the great things that God will accomplish with His Church, especially in the Diocese of Pembroke.