Before Fr. Alex left for his new ministry in Detroit, we spoke with him to find out how he was feeling about his time at Saint Benedict Parish and what he’s looking forward to next.

This was the first parish you served in as a priest. What was the biggest surprise for you when you first arrived here?

At first, the biggest surprise was the size of the parish. After reading Divine Renovation, Fr James Mallon's book about the journey to renewal at Saint Benedict Parish, I expected every Weekend Mass to be standing room only. That wasn't the case. However, once I got over being initially underwhelmed, I was surprised by the level of personal engagement the parishioners had in serving the mission. At most parishes, the number of volunteers is quite small compared to the number of people who attend, but at Saint Benedict Parish, around half of all the parishioners served in ministry. That's pretty incredible. The third big surprise was when Fr. Simon photoshopped my face onto a baby's body and called me ‘Baby Priest’ in his homily the first weekend I arrived. I've been trying to get him back ever since.

What was the biggest lesson you learned from your time here?

It might be the way I understand the role of the priest in the mission of the Church. I always thought of the priest as the primary minister in the life of the parish. He was the evangelist, the preacher, the primary pastoral caregiver, the counsellor, the spiritual director, etc. What I've witnessed at Saint Benedict has changed this paradigm. I now understand that the priest's role is primarily to call the faithful into their baptismal identity as missionary disciples. There is an incredible power in the people of God to build the kingdom of God together, and it is the priests' role to collaborate with the Holy Spirit in unleashing that power into the world.

How did you find out about your new role with the Companions? Do you get asked what you want to do, or are you just told?

My new role as vocations director (essentially recruitment) emerged from dialogue with the leadership of the Companions of the Cross. I knew when I was assigned to Saint Benedict that I would be here for three to five years. Working in vocations is a natural fit for my own gifts, as well as an important need I could meet in serving my religious community. I am thrilled to be able to serve in this capacity.

How are you feeling about the move to that vocations position?

I am quite at peace, and even excited, about this new season in my life as a priest. In a world where young men and women are faced with a dizzying array of choices to make about their future, which often leaves them anxious and paralyzed, I am passionate about connecting them to the heart and plan of God for their lives. I want to share the beauty and profound joy of the priesthood with the next generation of men and help them to abandon their lives into the hands of the Father, and follow after Jesus. I learned so many things during my time at Saint Benedict that will help me to serve in this way.

Are you excited to be closer to home? Detroit and your hometown of Windsor are pretty much touching, if you ignore the Detroit River.

For all the things that I love about Halifax, one of the downsides is being far from home. I've missed my family. They all live in Ontario and almost all of them are in Windsor. From my new home in Detroit, I'll be living a 30 minute drive to my parents' place, so I'm looking forward to having Sunday Dinner at home! I may even surprise them with McDonalds every once in a while.

We’ve got a couple new priests arriving here this summer. What’s a piece of advice you would give them?

The words of Fr. Bob Bedard, the founder of the Companions of the Cross, come to mind: “Take God very seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously.” Make fun of Fr. Simon, learn a lot, and pray like crazy. Don't forget, your first call as a priest is to pursue Jesus with your whole heart. Fruitful ministry arises from profound intimacy with God.

Will you be back sometime to visit us?

I've already got my next visit booked!

Do you have some final words for Saint Benedict Parish?

Saint Benedict is a very special place, and I don't just mean that as some sort of platitude. The Holy Spirit has anointed Saint Benedict to play a special role in the renewal of the church, and every parishioner has a role to play. I think that for all the amazing things we've seen God do, this is just the beginning of what he wants to do in and through Saint Benedict. God will move in even more powerful ways to the degree that we give him permission: permission in our individual lives and in the life of the parish. Don't be afraid. Surrender everything to him. God will not be outdone in generosity. Give everything to God, and he will give everything to you and more. Saint Benedict, I love you! You are in my heart. Please carry me in yours.