First Posted: 2/27/2015
1. What made you decide to become a priest?
I wanted to be a priest since I was probably 5 or 6 years old. I grew up at St. Gerard’s in Lima, and I was inspired by the priest that served there at the time. Being in the church all the time, serving at the Masses, I just think witnessing the priests’ service at St. Gerard’s inspired me.
2. How long and where have you served?
I was ordained on May 9, 1992. I have served in Maryland, the South Bronx in New York, and in Sandusky, all as an associate pastor. My first pastorate was at St. John’s in Defiance. I also served at St. Patrick of Heatherdowns near Toledo. Just last month, I came here to St. John’s in Delphos, and I also serve as pastor for St. John the Baptist, Landeck. My official installation service will be on Sunday with Bishop Daniel Thomas.
3. What’s it like coming back to the area where you grew up?
It’s the first time I’ve been close to family. The closest I was, was when I was in Defiance. A lot of the people in Delphos have been telling me I am related to them. I have a lot of cousins from my mom’s side. She grew up in Ottoville.
4. What’s the biggest challenge in settling into a new church and parish?
The situation is unusual in that priests are usually assigned to a church in the summer. It’s generally quieter then. School is out and there is time to meet with everyone. Here, I came in at a busy time of year, and I’ve had to hit the ground running. Everyone is doing their thing and doing it well. I just need to catch up. Other than that, just moving and packing everything up. As I get older, I notice it’s not as easy as it used to be. For one thing, you accumulate a lot more stuff.
5. What is the most rewarding part of being a priest?
I enjoy being a pastor in a small community. They invite you into their lives and families. It’s great to witness life through that. Also, I enjoy being around the youth as they keep me young. I get a lot of energy from being around them. We have a very vibrant school here, and it’s exciting to meet a lot of new people.
6. What is the installation Mass like?
The Bishop gives me the keys to the church. I already have them, but symbolically. He asks me to profess my faith. He’ll show me the parts of my office such as the altar and the baptismal font. He’ll remind me of my duties. He will officially introduce me to the members of the church councils. My installation service at Landeck will be at 8:30 a.m., also with Bishop Thomas.
7. What would surprise people about being a priest?
The great thing about being a priest is that every day is different. I get exposed to a lot of different situations and experiences that I would otherwise not have. I have gotten to visit places I probably never would have otherwise, like Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and I’ve also been to the West Indies. I think people would be surprised at the rich and rewarding life of being a priest.
8. What do you hope your legacy will be at St. John the Evangelist and St. John the Baptist Catholic Churches?
I think just building a strong community. There is a strong tradition here, and it is humbling to me that the Bishop appointed me to be a part of it. Passing on the tradition of the church to the next generation is important to me. I have a passion of young adults and teenagers, and I want to pass on the faith to the young people here.
