Jason Brilhante

When was the first time you thought of the priesthood?
When I was about 8 years old and shared that news with my parents. Soon after I was encouraged by my parents to become an altar sever. Being a altar server was a rewarding experience that led to fostering relationships with priests who became good role models.

How did your family/friends respond to you entering the seminary?
I received a mixed reaction from my family and friends. My parents responded with overwhelming joy and support, my brothers and sisters were puzzled, and my friends seemed to think it was the right fit for me to become a priest.

When you were younger, what did you think you were going to be?
Throughout high school I thought of becoming an accountant and set my goals to achieve that desire. I also thought about getting married and having a family until I chose to follow Christ’s invitation to become a priest.

What were major Catholic activities you participated in prior to entering the seminary?
As a member of my parish youth group, I participated in a number of activities such as retreats and youth conferences (for example, attending the Steubenville East conferences at La Salette Shrine).

What is your favorite Scripture passage?
John 2:1-5. I find the quote from Mary, “Do whatever he tells you,” to be a source of encouragement and a challenge to have faith to do that which Christ is asking me to do. Even though I am uncertain of the outcome of what Christ is asking of me, I trust in Mary’s protection and walk with faith.

What is your favorite book?
Journal of a Soul: An Autobiography of Pope John XXIII

What are some of your favorite and most important spiritual readings / books / passages?
Crossing The Threshold of Hope by Pope John Paul II; The Joy of Priesthood by Rev. Stephen J. Rossetti; Priests for the Third Millennium by Archbishop Timothy Dolan; Various biographies of the lives of the saints

Who influenced/ inspired you to priesthood?
Good, holy, faithful priests from my home parish and campus ministry influenced me and inspired me to consider the priesthood. Also by their personal invitations to participate in events and to assist with activities, essentially drawing people closer to each other and closer to Christ, I noticed myself desiring to do the same in the role of a priest.

What was one of the hardest things for you in your discernment?
Informing my parents about my vocation (uncertain how they would react).

What do you think a person who is trying to discern his vocation should be doing to help make the discernment easier?
Frequent prayer and discussion with a trusted priest-friend about beginning the journey through the process of formation. Discerning a vocation to the priesthood does not have to be done alone.

What do you consider to be one of the great challenges for a priest today?
Bridging the gap between secular culture and our Catholic faith.

What activities would you recommend in order to foster a culture of vocations?
Talk about vocations often!

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I have random collections of stamps and coins.

What do you enjoy most about the seminary?
Spiritual direction

How did you come to know Jesus Christ?
I came to know Jesus Christ through my faith, which my parents taught me and that I have from God. I continue to be drawn to Him in my prayer, meditations, and interactions with others.

Jason's Previous Assignments:

Summer 2007: Institute for Priestly Formation, Omaha, Nebraska