Christopher Elser
- Diocese/Religious Community Little Rock
Degrees Pursuing at Saint Meinrad
- Master of Divinity
What attracted you to the priesthood?
The Eucharist. The Eucharist has been and continues to be the heartbeat and compass of my life. My home parish, Christ the King in Little Rock, has a Perpetual Adoration chapel, and it is in this chapel where I began to fall in love with God. Throughout junior high and high school, a desire in my heart grew to stay close to Christ and follow Him in the Eucharist. During this time in my life, my family was enduring difficulties, and I truly felt Christ inviting me to rest in His presence. I saw in the midst of all of my life’s changes, the one person I knew that would never change was and is Christ in the Eucharist.
Ultimately, this led me to explore the possibility of a priestly vocation, and I joined seminary in May 2019. The seminary is where I have had the ability and space to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with Christ in the Eucharist. I am learning the truth of who I am through the Eucharist. In the Eucharist, Christ takes care of me. It is surreal that I have the daily opportunity to love Christ in the Mass and in Eucharistic Adoration.
Who or what influenced you to begin study for the priesthood?
Growing up, I was surrounded by a culture of vocations that was fostered by my family and home parish, Christ the King. I have an uncle who is a priest for the Diocese of Little Rock as well as a great uncle who is a priest for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. When I was in the third grade, my oldest brother, Fr. Stephen Elser, joined the seminary. As I grew up, I remembered attending various seminarian events in the Diocese. Watching my brother go through seminary was something that I began to picture myself doing. I remember Stephen and his seminarian friend visited my fifth-grade classroom, and during their visit, I can still clearly recall how the thought of me being a priest came into my mind.
What were you doing before you came to the seminary?
Before I joined seminary in May 2019, I had graduated high school in May 2018 and attended college for one year at the University of Arkansas.
Favorite saint and why?
St. Joseph is my favorite saint because he lived his life totally for Christ and the Blessed Mother. He took care of them and protected them during his lifetime, and I also desire to live my life totally for Christ and the Blessed Mother. St. Joseph has played a big role in my spiritual life during my time in seminary. Through his intercession, I am learning what spiritual fatherhood is and how to be a true man of God.
Favorite Scripture verse and why?
Luke 2:19 – “And Mary kept all these things, pondering them in her heart.” – Mary lived her life enveloped in the mystery of Christ. From her heart she prayed, reflected, and saw the events of her life through the lens of the life of Christ her son. Through Mary’s intercession, I too desire to see everything in my life through the lens of the life of Christ, so as to conform my daily life to His life.
Hobbies?
I enjoy playing and watching basketball, football, and soccer. I also love to run and take walks with my family and friends as well as hike Pinnacle Mountain in Little Rock.
What aspect of seminary life has been most rewarding?
In the seminary, it is a great blessing to have my spiritual director, formator, and counselor all in the same building. Having the space to openly express what is on my mind and heart has been very freeing and has given me the ability to grow and mature in a healthy and wholesome way.
What aspect of seminary life has been most challenging?
There are many opportunities and ways to be a part of the seminarian community. The challenge is that I cannot possibly say “yes” to every single activity or invitation, and it can be hard for me to pick one over the other.
Best advice you’ve heard in seminary?
Until you are convinced that prayer is the best use of your time, you will not find time for it.
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Other comments?
There are many various roles and jobs that make up the Saint Meinrad community. I want to express my gratitude to everyone who makes this community what it is. The whole community here truly cares about fostering vocations, and it is a blessing to be a part of this place.