16th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Dear Parishioners,

    I was ordained a priest forty years ago.  I had my first Mass the same Saturday. I remember being exhausted by the end of the day. The whole experience was very emotional. At times it seems like the last forty years have flown by and at other times it seems like my ordination was a long time ago.  I had a full head of hair and weighed about fifty pounds less.  That helps me to realize how much time has passed.

    People have asked me repeatedly things like, “Why did you become a priest?” Or they will ask, “What was your favorite assignment?”  I look at my vocation as a mystery.  I can’t adequately put into words why I became a priest.  I felt moved by forces beyond myself. As far as a favorite assignment my best answer is that all my assignments ended up being good because of the people I have met in my life as a priest.  Many people are far holier than I will ever be and that constantly humbles me.

The thing that I hope for is that people will grow closer to Jesus Christ because of my ministry as a priest.  If that happens then my life will have been worthwhile.  Please pray for me as I begin another year of service.  Thank you to all who have wished me well and helped with our groundbreaking and the celebration of my anniversary.

May Our Lady of Peace pray for us,

Fr. Mark

Thanks to Fred Julius for leading the presentation regarding the church windows. And for the Altar Society for sponsoring the event and providing refreshments.