Father Kurt Perera was born in Klang, Malaysia on April 17th, 1985. Father Kurt says, “The earliest memories of my childhood consisted of going to Church, making holy hours in the adoration chapel, and praying the rosary at home with my family. I saw great examples of living out the Catholic faith in my parents, family, parish priest and a close friend of mine who is a consecrated single lay woman. In addition, my family always seemed to form close relationships with many good, holy priests, who were joyful in living out their vocation. I believe this was the foundation of my calling to discern the life of the priesthood in the seminary. Even though, I remember thinking about the priesthood as early as 5th grade, it wasn’t until the latter part of high school and college where the possibility of God’s call to priesthood did not seem to leave me. I just knew I had to give God the chance and allow Him to lead me to wherever He wanted me.” Father Kurt entered seminary after graduating ASU with Bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Religious Studies. He attended the Pontifical College Josephinum where he received his Bachelor in Philosophy, his Masters in Theology and Divinity, and eventually a post- seminary degree, a Masters in Education from Grand Canyon University. He is currently working on a Doctor of Ministry (DMin) degree in Seminary Formation from Catholic University of America (CUA). Father Kurt now serves as the Director of Vocations for the Diocese of Phoenix and Formator at the Nazareth Seminary in Phoenix. He also serves as the Diocesan Comitium Spiritual Director for the Legion of Mary.
About the Pilgrim Chailce Program: Purpose: To encourage families to pray for vocations to the priesthood & religious life.
Practice: ·Each week a family is invited to bring gifts to the altar at Mass. · At the end of Mass, they are invited back to receive the traveling chalice. ·At home, they place the chalice in a place of honor. ·Each day, during prayer time, they pray for an increase and perseverance of vocations. Contact the parish office is your family in interested in being a part of the Pilgrim Chalice Program.