ROME, ITALY — Diocese of Charlotte seminarian Michael Carlson was ordained to the transitional diaconate Sept. 27 in St. Peter’s Basilica. A parishioner of St. Ann Church in Charlotte, Deacon Carlson is in seminary at the Pontifical North American College in Rome.
Deacon Carlson is the son of Rock and Julianne Carlson. Born Nov. 21, 1988, in Merced, Ca., he is one of seven children.
As a seminarian, Deacon Carlson has served summer assignments at Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Monroe, St. Thomas Aquinas Church in Charlotte, and St. Therese Church in Mooresville.
In his free time, Deacon Carlson enjoys playing the violin, jogging, hiking, fishing, reading theology, philosophy, and classical literature, studying languages, and cooking.
“I had an initial interest in the priesthood when I was 9 years old and would serve Mass at my hometown parish of St. Joseph's. However, I did not seriously consider a vocation to the priesthood until after college,” Deacon Carlson says.
Pictured: Deacon Michael Carlson is pictured (seated at center) with his pastor, Father Timothy Reid of St. Ann Church in Charlotte; Father Matthew Kauth, rector of St. Joseph College Seminary in Charlotte; and fellow seminarian at the Pontifical North American College in Rome, Jacob Mlakar.
He is thankful for the many people who have made his seminary studies possible through their prayers, sacrifices and financial support.
“This time of formation has been a gift that has brought me closer to the Lord, and will help me more effectively serve our diocese,” he explains. “In all of my summer assignments, I have been amazed and humbled by the goodness of the people of God.
“It gives me great joy that I will soon be able to serve all of you as a deacon!” he says.
Deacon Carlson is scheduled to be ordained to the priesthood alongside Deacon Alfonso Gamez and Deacon Britt Taylor in June 2019 at St. Mark Church in Huntersville.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter