I did not plan on attending CCO’s Rise Up last year. The year prior was difficult so I thought that it would be better for me to have a lowkey and more quiet Christmas season.

It wasn’t until the second half of my studies at Brock University that I was reintroduced to the Catholic faith through a ministry called Catholic Christian Outreach.

I walked through much of my life in a kind of slumber. I went to Catholic school from the time I was little until I graduated, but the faith was never something I truly lived.

Hey everyone, it’s AJ. I grew up always being the life of the party. I loved sports, and I’ve always been an extrovert.

But the deeper I studied, the more I fell in love with the Church Christ Himself established. And on Easter of 2025, I said “yes” again—this time to His Church—and was confirmed Catholic.

My name is Fr. Sebastian, and I was ordained a priest with the Companions of the Cross this past May 24th. Although I grew up Catholic I had a deeper conversion to my faith through Catholic Christian Outreach.

When I was 17, I signed a record deal in Nashville and began living my childhood dream.

If you’re searching, wandering, or waiting — I encourage you, He’s already near. And four simple words are life’s answer…Thy Will Be Done.