Father Luke Koski: The Power of Saying Yes

Father Luke Koski is a diocesan priest serving in the Archdiocese of Baltimore, with an open and dedicated mission to serve the good people of Maryland. Newly ordained—just ten months into his priesthood—he divides his time between Christ the King Parish, St. Bernadette Parish, and Archbishop Spalding High School. Father Luke’s story of vocation is one of faith, perseverance, and rediscovery of the richness of Catholicism.

A Life of Grace Amid Challenges

Growing up in a Catholic family, Father Luke was the eldest of four siblings. Although his family attended Mass and prayed together, they were not particularly devout. “We didn’t pray the rosary as a family or attend many extra church events,” Father Luke shares. As he entered adolescence, he strayed from the faith, falling into sin and struggling with interior turmoil despite outwardly maintaining a social and active lifestyle.

Things began to change during his high school confirmation retreat, where he encountered Christ in a profound way. A skit depicting the struggles of sin and redemption resonated deeply with him. “It was the first time I realized Jesus cared about what I was going through,” he says. This realization marked the beginning of his journey back to the Church.

Discovering Catholicism Anew

As Father Luke grew in faith, his desire to understand Catholic teaching deepened. In college, he was invited to participate in life-changing Catholic experiences: Focus SEEK conferences, World Youth Day in Brazil, and a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. These moments opened his eyes to the universality and richness of the Church.

“I realized the Church is so much bigger than what I had experienced growing up. It’s alive, global, and filled with joy,” he says.

His interactions with the De La Salle Christian Brothers, a teaching religious order, further shaped his understanding of religious life. While Father Luke admired their charism, he discerned he was called to serve families in a diocesan context rather than within a religious community.

A Call to Serve Families

Father Luke’s heart for family life influenced his decision to become a diocesan priest. Recognizing the unique challenges families face today, he felt drawn to minister to them directly. “Who ministers most to families? Diocesan priests,” he shares.

As an introvert, Father Luke also found the diocesan priesthood aligned better with his temperament than communal religious life. “God respects our personalities. He calls us to holiness but doesn’t ignore the unique way He made us,” he says.

Conversion Within His Family

While discerning his vocation, Father Luke witnessed a spiritual revival within his own family. His parents, who had begun attending a Baptist church, eventually rediscovered the beauty of Catholicism. Their journey back to the faith was sparked by adoration, Marian devotion, and a deeper understanding of Church teaching.

“My mom began researching Marian apparitions and realized the messages pointed back to the Sacraments—which areonly found in the Catholic Church,” Father Luke shares. Over time, his parents and siblings returned to the faith, becoming devout Catholics.

Ministry Highlights and Joys

Now as a priest, Father Luke finds deep fulfillment in hearing confessions. “The look on a penitent’s face after absolution—peace, joy, life restored—is unlike anything else,” he says. He also enjoys celebrating Mass, baptisms, and weddings, as well as ministering to students at Archbishop Spalding High School.

His role as a diocesan priest involves a dynamic schedule, often traveling between parishes, schools, and hospitals. Despite the busyness, Father Luke sees God’s hand in every interaction, especially in the sacramental life of the Church.

Advice for Discerners and Families

For young men discerning the priesthood, Father Luke offers practical advice:

1. Pray: Spend time with Christ in the Eucharist and seek Mary’s intercession.

2. Learn: Read books like To Save a Thousand Souls and The Priest is Not His Own.

3. Discern and Act: Gather information, discern with trusted mentors, and take steps forward.

For Catholics with non-practicing family members, Father Luke emphasizes love and patience. “Sometimes it’s not about convincing them; it’s about living your faith authentically and letting God work,” he says.

Looking Ahead

Father Luke’s story is a testament to God’s ability to transform hearts and lives through grace and perseverance. Whether serving in the confessional, at the altar, or alongside families in his parish, his ministry reflects the joy of a life rooted in Christ.

“We’re all called to holiness, but God calls us uniquely. Our personalities and gifts are not obstacles—they’re part of His plan,” he says.

Father Luke continues to live out his vocation with humility, authenticity, and a heart full of hope for the Church and her people.