The day: Saturday
The date: May 28
The year: 1983
Yes, my friends, on this date, May 28, 1983, I was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Gary and began a journey that I never would have been able to predict:
Director at Camp Lawrence
Chaplain at Camp Lawrence
Instructor at Bishop Noll Institute
Associate Pastor at St. John Bosco, Hammond
Chaplain at Carmelite Home for Boys, Hammond
Pastor at Holy Trinity Church, Gary
Institutional Chaplain at Indiana State Prison, Michigan City
Institutional Chaplain at Lakeside Prison, Michigan City
Pastor at St. Maria Goretti, Dyer
Pastor at Queen of All Saints, Michigan City
Pastor at St. Thomas More, Munster
Never would I have predicted half of those assignments. Yet, each time the bishop (Bishop Grutka, Bishop Gaughan, Bishop Melczek) asked me to move, I moved. It was not always easy but, a promise (of obedience) is a promise! I give that same promise to my present bishop, Bishop Hying.
I have met a lot of good people. I have met several rascals. I have made many friends. I have been “adopted” into several families. None of this would have been possible if I did not say “yes” to a call that I perceived I had received from God.
Thank you to all who have been a part of my priesthood. I have not always been perfect, I have not always been as compassionate as I could have been, I have not always been as helpful. Priests are human, too. I pray that you forgive me for those times. For the good times, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for touching my life and allowing me to be a part of your lives.
Thirty-five down, only God knows how many more!