During this Year for Priests, the Diocese of Raleigh is presenting a “Did You Know” feature of Priests serving in the Diocese. As new profiles are added, such as the one below, the previous ones will be available from the Year for Priests page.

Father Stephen J. Carlson
Pastor, Saint Mark Church, Wilmington

Who is your favorite saint?

I actually have several and for various reasons. Saint Jerome (Confirmation Name) because of his love of languages; Saint Stephen the Protomartyr, my namesake; and Saint Phillip Neri the Patron Saint of Rome and Special Forces.

What was your most memorable spiritual pilgrimage?

During my final year at Seminary I made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land followed by a pilgrimage to Rome, Assisi and Florence.

Who was the greatest influence on your vocation as a priest and why?

Fr. John Durbin. As the pastor of Saint Patrick in Fayetteville, he provided mentorship, friendship and inspiration. The parish community of Saint Patrick’s was also a powerful influence during my discernment years.

Do you have a hobby or hobbies or leisure activity?

I love biking and have taken several biking tours in Europe. I’ve always been an avid sports fan and participant and have enjoyed swimming, running, triathlons, scuba diving, bird watching and canoeing.

What is your favorite food? Do you cook it yourself?

I love anything Italian and do most of my own cooking.

Favorite sport? Favorite team – College and/or Professional?

I love cycling and watching the Tour de France each July and so I don’t lose I always cheer for the favorite. I live in ACC country so obviously I have to go with college hoops. Not wanting to offend, I like them all but have a special fondness for the Tar Heels. I also love baseball and the Atlanta Braves. In football, because I grew up in Denver, the Denver Broncos are my team.

Favorite author and/or book?

Henri Nouwen and Thomas Merton are my favorite spiritual authors.

Favorite movie?

Gone With The Wind, In the Heat of the Night and Stagecoach.

Music you enjoy/artist?

I enjoy Classical and Country & Western

Any interesting fact that your parishioners would be interested in knowing?

I had a rodeo scholarship in college and enjoyed the sport. An injury resulting from being thrown off a 2,000 pound bull brought that part of my life to an end. I’ve visited every state in the Union, all the countries in the Western Hemisphere, Europe, Asia and Africa. I love to travel and the 27 years of service in the U.S. Military also provided travel opportunities.