The announcement that Mooroopna parishioner Mason Crosier will enter the seminary in 2025 came as no surprise to those who know him. Mason says he has wanted to be a priest since early childhood and his vocational calling has never wavered.
He credits Mooroopna parish priests, the late Fr John Leahy and Monsignor Peter Jeffrey, for drawing him to the priesthood. “I remember when I was in Prep being fascinated with Mass. I could see the way everyone was focused on Fr John Leahy; he as a wonderful priest and I wanted to be like him.”
Monsignor Peter Jeffrey became Parish Priest of Mooroopna when Mason was in Grade Five. “It was the best year I ever had,” said Mason. “He was already a family friend, and that’s when I started getting involved in parish life, reading and altar serving at Mass. I saw the positive influence he had on those around him and I really wanted to make a difference to people’s lives the way he did.”
Mason admits he feels a weight off his shoulders now that he has been accepted as a Sandhurst Seminarian, as he suspects a lot of people were ‘barracking’ for him and he wouldn’t want to disappoint them, or worse, have them feel empathetically disappointed for him.
“It’s amazing; my family is supportive, my two younger brothers are proud and Monsignor Peter is wrapt,” Mason shared. He is also excited that Aaron Baulch of Kerang will join him at the seminary next year, emphasising the joy that local vocations bring to small parishes like Mooroopna and Kerang. The support and congratulations from the community have been overwhelming.
Both Mason and Aaron participated in World Youth Day in Lisbon and attended Diocesan Vocations Discernment Sessions led by Vocations Director, Fr Nathan Verallo. Mason also spent a year as a Religious Education Trainee at Notre Dame College alongside Sandhurst Seminarian Ryerson de Lai. While these experiences were valuable, Mason highlights the importance of prayer in his discernment. "I've always had a strong prayer life, asking God for guidance. I look forward to deepening my prayer life in the seminary."
In addition to his religious aspirations, Mason enjoys classical music and plays the cello. He is considering trying singing at the seminary and is eager to study theology and philosophy. He also looks forward to connecting with other seminarians and meeting people throughout the Diocese during his placements. "Travelling around the Diocese as an altar server with Bishop Shane has been incredible, and I'm excited to meet and serve more people in the future, hopefully one day as a priest."
