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Msgr. don eichenseer reflects on more than 48 years as priest

The years of seminary training were a time of looking forward to that day when I could go to the altar of the Lord and preside over the Eucharistic sacrifice with and for the people. Those days of preparation came to a close with ordination on May 27, 1961 in St. Peter’s Cathedral in Belleville.

Now after some 48-plus years, my thoughts serve as a reflection over a life in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. At the time of ordination, everyday life as a Catholic was pretty much one of following some set routines, observing the rules and regulations governing and guiding us hopefully to eternal salvation. The challenges of the day were to maintain the status quo without causing too much turmoil and upset from what most considered to be the ordinary way of life.

With the announcement of the Second Vatican Council by Pope John XXIII, things would no longer be as experienced for quite some time. The first question asked was, “What is a Council?” Having been assured that things would no longer be the same, my thoughts looked to a priesthood in the future that would demand changes, more challenges, and a way of life that had not been experienced in our lifetime.

The changes brought about as a result of Vatican Council II have formed and shaped what kind of priesthood I would be part of for as long as God gave me good health and the ability to serve Him and others as a priest.

Life in the priesthood has been one of a variety of ways to be of service. Looking back, I must admit I became involved in different aspects of service that I never dreamed would be part of my life as a priest. Committees, school boards, councils, new rules and regulations, many changes in the liturgy, deanery meetings, priest meetings of all kinds are some of the situations which made everyday something far different than just maintaining the status quo as previously experienced.

Changes brought about indecision, anxiety, uncertainty, concern, worry, and much thought asking the Lord for His assistance so that my ministry would be acceptable and hopefully helpful for those to whom I was asked to serve. Mother Teresa spoke of being called to be “faithful” and not “successful.” Success will be measured by God the Father when we come to give an account of how we have lived and used our time and talents in the best manner possible. I have been amazed how many times, after worry, concern, and prayer, the Lord in many ways provided the necessary graces to accomplish what was set before me. God always delivers on his promise and word to be with us and to help us. It takes some years to realize how true it is that our heavenly Father is truly a father assisting us in our weakness and lowliness as we attempt to be his worthy servants.

It has been a long journey since the first desires to be a priest came to me while serving Mass during the fifth or sixth grade. It has been a real test of humility to realize all that is placed in our hands and how people trust and rely upon us.

The graces of the sacrament of Holy Orders have been my constant support and strength in carrying out my assignments which have been many and covering a variety of issues to be addressed and completed. It has been my privilege and honor to reflect that the Father of us all gave me a desire for the priesthood from the promptings of the Holy Spirit. Family, parish, community and friends have been a constant support throughout the years in the seminary and have continued to this day.

After looking back over 48 years of ministry as a priest, it is time to look ahead and again wonder what lies before me in serving and living as a priest for as long as the Lord gives me life and breath upon this earth. When the time comes to stand before the Lord, I hope and pray that after all my weaknesses, failings, and lack of effort, I may hear those beautiful words of assurance: “You have been a worthy servant, come and enjoy the rewards of a life well spent in the service of the Lord and master. Receive the rewards of eternal life in the heavenly kingdom. You have been a loyal and faithful servant.”