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July 12, 2018On Friday, June 1 Michigan Tech and St. Al's alumnus Dustin Larson was ordained to the priesthood for the Diocese of Marquette, which covers the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
There was great joy when Bishop Doerfler announced at the ordination that Fr. Dustin's first assignment would be as associate pastor here at St. Albert the Great in Houghton, as well as our sister parish St. Anne's in Chassell. For the first time since the early 1970's St. Al's will have two priests on staff, allowing for a greater outreach on campus.
Fr. Dustin, who is orgininally from Kalamazoo, MI, completed his undergraduate studies in Computer Science and Discrete Mathematics at Michigan Tech in 2010, and his Masters degree in Computer Science, also from Michigan Tech in 2011.
He is the 17th known Michigan Tech alumnus to be ordained a priest or brother.
Reflecting on his ordination, Fr. Dustin had this to say:
"Praised be Jesus Christ! When I graduated from Michigan Tech and St. Al’s seven years ago I never expected that I would be back so quickly, but our God is full of surprises. I am excited to begin my ministry as a priest here at St. Al’s.
As I reflect and look forward, what really encourages me is the fact that several characteristics about St. Al’s – characteristics that helped form and strengthen my Catholic identity – have continued to grow since my graduation in 2011.
In particular, I remember how important it was for me to have a community where other Catholics would help me to grow in my faith. This is all the more true now, thanks to the intentional efforts on the part of FOCUS missionaries to train up disciples for Jesus Christ – disciples that love Jesus and invite others into deeper relationship with Him and His Church.
I also recall how St. Al’s was a regular place for me to pray. The 24-7 open-door policy has not changed, and there are now several additional opportunities for Eucharistic Adoration and Bible Study throughout the week.
It is very exciting to consider that I am now able to celebrate Mass and offer Confession to another generation of St. Al’s students, two sacraments that I am forever grateful to have been able to receive regularly during my time as a student.
As I begin to undertake my priestly ministry at St. Al’s, I wish to offer my sincere thanks to those who made it possible for me to grow as a disciple of Jesus and discern my vocation to the priesthood during my years at Michigan Tech. Know that your generosity has already helped set many souls on fire for love of Him.
Please continue to pray for St. Al’s and for all Michigan Tech students, that spiritual obstacles to grace may be removed and that countless students may respond to the call to be faithful disciples of our Lord Jesus! Know of my prayers, and may God bless you all!"
