'Wisdom of the fathers'

Published: May 2, 2009

Twenty diocesan, religious order and extern priests were asked a series of 20 questions about their experiences as a priest. Here are a few excerpts.

What were your initial excitements and hopes as you began to think more deeply about your vocation?

"I found it exciting to give my life totally to God. Here is a blank check, God, whatever is out there for me to do, I will do it."

What are the experiences in your priesthood that most deeply nurtures and sustains your relationship with God?

"I am very humbled by people's confessions, and it makes me realize that there are a lot of lay people in our church that are far more holy than I am, and it is very inspiring to me."

"One is the moment of consecration. When I get to that moment, if I think too deeply, I find myself becoming very emotional. Here I am a mere man saying the words Jesus said 2,000 years ago. When I get so emotional, I cannot get the words out. I begin to cry. Jesus is here."

What do you value most about your vocation to the priesthood? What has made your choice of a vocation "worth it" to you?

"I would become a priest all over again without a doubt."

"I would not want to do certain things and I would say, "OK Jesus you are there and I will do it because you are there."

Recall a time when you felt yourself being a real help to a young man who was considering a call to the priesthood. What did you say or do that seemed to be most helpful to them?

"I told him that you are on a great adventure. You will learn about yourself and other people. You will meet people you would not otherwise ever meet. Most importantly you will meet the Lord in new ways. No matter the outcome, you will be a better man because of the adventure."