Supplements

archive ISSUE

people in the diocese expess appreciation for priests

(Editor’s note: Each year, The Messenger invites people to comment on the qualities in their priests that they most admire. Following are the comments we received. People in parishes talk about their priests, what they admire about them and what they mean to the people of the diocese. Oct. 31 has been designated “Priesthood Sunday” in the United States. It is a day to appreciate and thank priests who have made a difference in our lives, have been at the side of loved ones at important times in the journey of faith each person travels, especially for baptisms, marriages and deaths.)

From Carol McKinney, St. Joseph, Olney: Father Jerry Wirth is a priest with a strong commitment to our Richland County Community. He truly embraces the Catholic tradition of social justice — caring for all and advocating for those in need. He is inspirational in his tireless work to help others. In our school, Fr. Jerry shows love for our children and a dedication to their spiritual growth. He loves to spend time with the kids: in worship, in class or in play. We are blessed by his presence.

From Sister Margaret Schmidt, SSND, St. Theresa of Avila, Salem: Father Robert Zwilling is new to our parish but already we have been impressed with several things. Father Robert is very spiritual and is interested in providing sacraments and prayer experiences to the whole parish, offering Mass daily and adding prayer hours and Benediction. He is untiringly busy. We do not know when he finds time to sleep. He keeps abreast of the school, the two parish councils, Knights, APT and sports. He visits the sick of our parish, the homebound, and those in nursing homes. He is working to provide RCIA and pre-marriage counseling in the parish. Father Robert is easy to work with and good with our children. We are blessed to have Father Robert as our pastor.

From Dennis Grimmer, principal of St. Teresa School, Belleville: Father David Darin has just recently taken on the sole duties as pastor of both St. Teresa and St. Luke parishes. Without the aid of an associate pastor, it certainly is a “Big” job. We have every confidence that he will continue in his ever faithful role as our religious leader and role model. We are indeed “in Good Hands” with Father David. He has the physical strength and the spiritual fortitude to get the job done. Thank you Father David for your continuing efforts, leadership, and hard work.

From Keith Senior, principal of St. Michael School, Radom: Father Jean-Marie Mondji is new to Radom’s St. Michael Church in 2010 and has been working vigorously to learn how we operate. Father has a true passion for teaching the ways of Christ. He has a wonderful message to share with all parishioners. Each Sunday he gives us goals or things we can work on that week. His knowledge and care for all Catholics are his best attributes.

From Karen A. Busch, St. John the Baptist, Smithton: Our pastor Father Gerald Hechenberger is a good guy. He has a good sense of humor. He is humble and reverent. He has a wonderful smile. His homilies always hold one’s attention. He is always ready to listen to what a person has to say. He has a true ecumenical spirit, willing to share services at Thanksgiving (for example) with the United Church of Christ and the Baptist church here in town. He is a fountain of knowledge about all things Catholic. We just love him.

From Thiry Cameron, Holy Childhood, Mascoutah: We are very blessed to have Msgr. Jerome Hartlein as our pastor at Holy Childhood Catholic Church in Mascoutah. He shows how much he cares and loves us by work and example. He is compassionate, kind, respectful and sensitive to the culture, ethnic and racial diversity of the Church. Msgr. Hartlein is comfortable being in charge and is an excellent leader, willing to learn from all and realizing that he is not in authority on all aspects of the Church. He understands what it means to commit yourself as a priest. He is very sociable and easy to talk with. When he arrived many years ago, a big change came about as the church and people became one big, happy family. We grew together, improved the congregation and the beautiful building, grounds and school. Msgr. Hartlein still remembers and speaks with everyone whether they attend church or not. Some of the local young people have mentioned that he talks with them even though he rarely sees them. They are delighted! He participates in city events, the ministerial alliance, parish council, blood bank and is on the diocesan board. He also has a human side with a beautiful singing voice, is talented in carpentry, gardening and fishing. We all love and appreciate all he did and does for us.

Ken and Mary Meng, Holy Childhood, Mascoutah: Msgr. Hartlein has been at Holy Childhood for 30-plus years and has become a member of so many of the parishioners’ families. As in the case of our family, he baptized our children, was there to confer the sacraments on them, and now is baptizing the second generation. Msgr. Hartlein has been there for guidance and reassurance in all the ups and downs of life. Not only has he been a good shepherd of his flock, but his business skills have seen Holy Childhood through some difficult financial challenges. When the steeple on the church needed major repair, he came up with a plan to have the parish family come together to accomplish that daunting task. He has had the foresight to plan for the parish’s future in remodeling the old convent to become a well utilized parish center. Holy Childhood Grade School is a testament to his concern for the spiritual well-being of the children of the parish. The list goes on and on, but we want to recognize Msgr. Hartlein for his tireless dedication and his devotion to his Holy Childhood family. It does not go unnoticed and for it all, we thank Msgr. Hartlein.

From a parishioner of St. John the Baptist, Red Bud: Msgr. Dennis Schaefer is very interested in his parishioners, in our everyday lives and most certainly in our spiritual lives. He makes us feel that we are important to the parish, to him and especially to God. He brings us to a closer, deeper relationship with God with his homilies and his own spiritual life — and he has a great singing voice.

From a parishioner of St. Teresa of Avila, Marydale: I am very impressed with OFM Father Larry Nickels’ homilies. They are interesting and thought provoking in a good way. I expect he spends a great deal of time preparing these sermons. He is also very personable with us his parishioners.

From Ray and Marilyn Diekemper, St. Teresa, Marydale: Father Larry Nickels, OFM is very dedicated and has a genuine concern for everyone at our parish. His sermons are very inspirational and we try to carry out his message throughout our week.

From Carolyn Vogt, Holy Trinity, Fairview Heights: When Bishop Braxton visited Holy Trinity on his parish visitation, I was hoping we would be given the opportunity to express our feelings regarding our pastor, Father Ray Schultz. If given this opportunity, I would have stated to our bishop that Father Ray is: 1) a wonderful Pastor, 2) a wonderful confessor, 3) a wonderful friend. I always marvel how we were so “lucky” to have him chosen to be the shepherd of our flock. He is truly our brother in Christ.

From Sharon A. Coonan, Holy Trinity, Fairview Heights: It is not very often that one has the opportunity to be guided in this life by a spiritual mystic. Rev. Ray Schultz is such a visionary whose personal pastoral mission is to be of service to all by building the Kingdom of God here on earth. He sees beyond the natural order of chaos within life into the potential “glory” within all people and all situations. He has the capacity to remain calm in any storm, and he navigates a pastoral compass for everyone through the person of Jesus Christ. “Can’t,” “No” or “Won’t” are never options in his vocabulary, only “Faith,” “Gratitude,” “Trust” and “Hope.” He is a soft spoken and humble man who will undoubtedly be uncomfortable reading these kind words. Yet, he is one of the most deserving priests many have known. Father Ray, may the Holy Spirit bless and continue to guide you on your mystical journey as you have blessed the lives of so many throughout your life. Thank you for guiding and traveling with all of us here at Holy Trinity Parish and School.

From Liz Vogt, Holy Trinity, Fairview Heights: Priesthood Sunday is a good time to reflect on our pastor. Talk about having to assume a monumental and often thankless task — try being the pastor of a “new” parish made up of two “old” established parishes both bringing distinct histories each with their own fulfilled and unfulfilled dreams.

Parishioners from each parish had very strong feelings about the merger (of St. Albert the Great and Our Lady of the Assumption) — similar to second marriages where blending the two families is not always easy. Father Ray Schultz was given this “opportunity” in Fairview Heights. I just want to publicly thank him for all that he has done and continues to do each day to celebrate our pasts and to lead us into the future. Father Ray is a very empathetic man — trying to understand where we have come from and lead us to where we need to be — the parish community of Fairview Heights. Thanks, Father Ray!

From Father John Myler, rector of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Belleville: When a pastor has a priest assigned as his “associate,” the young priest is not only his collaborator, but in a sense becomes his “son” in Christ.

For three years, Father Steven Beatty was my good associate here at the cathedral. We worked together closely, and — with a mix of sadness and joy — sent him off to his new assignment among the people of the four parishes of Gallatin County. His knowledge, reverence and enthusiasm are already a blessing to his new parishioners. Now, Father Joseph Oganda has come to the cathedral as an associate. At his ordination just a few months ago, he committed to spending his life as a priest far from his native Kenya — staying and ministering with us in our local church in southern Illinois. Father Oganda’s deep spirituality, gentleness and zeal are apparent to all.
What a blessing to me — these “two sons!”

From Jacqueline “Jay” Creech, St. Lawrence, Lawrenceville: My husband and I attend St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Lawrenceville. I want to let you know how blessed we feel that our congregation has Father Bernardine Nganzi - Father Bernie. He has a great sense of humor and a wonderful smile. He always makes you feel welcome.

Our granddaughter is a server. She loves to help him, and he is always so complimentary with her and all the people who help with Mass. He does a lot to help build self-confidence.

His sermons are always passionate. He knows how to drive home a message. He has a way of making you remember what he says because you always feel that he is speaking directly to you.

He is very compassionate. My father and step-mother are both very ill. Father Bernie has been very compassionate and helpful. He brings them comfort. We think Priesthood Sunday is a great idea, and we think we have a terrific priest!

From Sue Gherardini, St. Mary, Centralia: We are lucky to have Father Justin Olisaemeka. He is very dedicated and upbeat and always seems to carry a smile — a most holy man and a pleasure to be around. Our parish has been blessed with Father Justin.

From a parishioner of St. Henry, Belleville: I would like to recognize our pastor, Father Ken York. I feel blessed to have him as our pastor. His homilies are insightful as well as inspirational. He interprets the appropriate scriptural readings and applies them to our daily lives as Christians. He devotes himself wholeheartedly to his parishioners and always speaks to us personally. Our prayers are for him and all our devoted priests.

From Sue Beelman, St. Mary, Belleville: I belong to St. Mary’s Church in Belleville with Msgr. McGhee, aka, Father Bill as pastor. My sister-in-law had cancer for years and when we asked Father Bill to anoint her at the hospital even though she belonged to another church in the diocese, he was there with no qualms and made it so meaningful for our whole family. My son had a near death experience and Father Bill was right there for us. He was also there for my husband when he was in the hospital. Our whole parish has become alive and caring since he came to us. What a great role model he is for the young and old.

Thank you Father Bill for always being there for anyone in the parish who needs you even though your time is so precious with your father — and keep the accordion handy. We love it!

From students of Grades 6-8 at St. Mary-St. Augustine School, Belleville: We, are blessed to be served by Msgr. Bill McGhee and Father Patrick Okwumuo. They each celebrate Mass with us during the week. In their homilies, they involve us by asking us questions. They are patient with us as we learn to serve Mass. They help us as we prepare to receive the sacraments. When their schedule permits, they visit us in the classroom to see what we are doing.

They both attend parish activities and keep us informed about what is happening in our parishes. Father Bill shares his funny stories with us and entertains us by playing his accordion. Father Patrick explains the readings to us in his sermons and gives us an insight into his culture. They both have great personalities and we feel lucky to have them both involved in our school.

From St. James Catholic Grade School faculty, Millstadt: “We, the staff of St. James School, are very happy to have Father Marvin Volk as our pastor. It has been said that “gratefulness is the heart of prayer.” Father Marvin expresses his gratitude for our efforts with the children at each of the Masses we have with him. He thanks not only the teachers but also the students for their efforts to be good leaders of prayer. It has really made a difference in the attitude of the students. His homilies are instructive for the children, presenting them with facts not only about Scripture, church history, and lives of the saints, but also practical means on how to live their daily lives as children of God proclaiming God’s kingdom.

From Chuck Wolff, St. Andrew, Murphysboro: Father Gary Gummersheimer is a very loving, caring and thoughtful servant of God. He is very community minded and most of all he is fulfilling his life’s goal in excelling in his Vocation as a Priest and Servant of God. We at St. Andrew’s have been blessed these past 13 years by his presence. We ask God’s blessing on All that serve the church.

From Avis Cardwell, St. Andrew, Murphysboro: Father Gary Gummersheimer’s homilies are the best and most moving I have heard in my entire life. He is truly a great leader.

From Steve and Debbie Glodo, St. Andrew, Murphysboro: We are blessed to have Father Gary Gummersheimer as our pastor. Father Gary’s thought-provoking homilies make the Word of God come alive in our daily life. He is always there when we need him in time of crisis. Thank you, Father Gary, for your spiritual guidance and love for the people of St. Andrew.

From Gibault Catholic High School, Waterloo: We greatly value Father Urban Osuji’s ministry as our chaplain. Father Urban, a man of deep faith, recognizes and appreciates opportunities to share his love of God and the Church with students and staff at Gibault.

In addition to celebrating our liturgies, Father Urban speaks to religion classes about the liturgy, the traditions of the Church and the importance of our role as congregation in each Mass.

He is available in his office for conversation with students or staff; each person feels accepted and understood in his presence. Father Osuji brings both strength and gentleness to his ministry to us at Gibault.

From parishioners of St. Patrick Parish, Ruma: Father Clyde Grogan’s best qualities are: very friendly, knows everyone and speaks very compassionately, is kind, considerate, knowledgeable about the Gospels and relates to today in sermons; he’s funny, has a great memory, cannot say “no,” and loves life and people.

From Alice Hasenstab for the priests of the diocese: The priests in Belleville are among the best. I have lived here all of my life and have known many of them from my grade school days at St. Mary’s with pastor, Msgr. Joseph J. Orlet. Over the years there were many assistants. Fathers Kilfoil, Myerscough, Podrasky, Buerster, Fischer, Hartlein, Schumacher, Hentschel, Klein, Kuhl, Peterson, Behrman; and pastors Jerome, Ray Orlet, Blazine and Myler, plus many whose names I have forgotten. All had an influence on my Catholic education. Then there were the chaplains at Notre Dame Academy, Msgrs. Nebel, Bauer, McCormick, and others.

Now I have the privilege of weekday Masses at St. Henry’s with Father York and Queen of Peace with Father McEvilly. Sundays, we still celebrate Mass at St. Mary’s with Father Bill McGhee, who brings his own kind of joy each time we see him.

I have been truly blessed to have known all of these priests. We are very fortunate to have so many loyal priests in our diocese.