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people in the diocese of belleville express appreciation for priests

(Editor’s note: Priesthood Sunday is celebrated this year Oct. 30th. Each year, The Messenger invites people to comment on the qualities in their priests that they most admire. Following are the comments we received.)

From Dennis Grimmer, St. Teresa Catholic School, Belleville: Father David Darin has been the pastor of St. Teresa and St. Luke Churches for the last five years. He has provided an extraordinary level of stability that the parishes have so badly needed. His leadership and example have been the foundation of our faith. He has done everything in his power to nurture and preserve Catholic education at St. Teresa School. Both parishes and the school have prospered due to his caring and loving nature. Thank you Father David for all that you do.

Father Sean Palas has taken on a part time role in St. Teresa parish this year. His willingness to assist Father David has been most noteworthy. His youth, his presence and his vigor have been a welcome addition. His ability to share the liturgical load with Father David, has been most useful. He also has taken on teaching at Althoff Catholic High School as well as the chaplain responsibilities there. He is a very busy man. His faith and willingness to help have done much to improve our religious life at St. Teresa/St. Teresa School. Thank you Father Sean.

From Sister Carol Karnitsky, sscm, Holy Church of the Holy Spirit Parish, Carterville: Father Kingsley Nonis, sacramental minister to Church of the Holy Spirit and Newman Center at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, celebrates Mass very reverently. Father has great compassion for those who are suffering in our world and never fails to mention them in the Eucharistic prayer.

From St. Edward Ladies Altar Sodality, Fairfield: Father Michael Mbonu is the administrator of St. Edward Church at Fairfield. He is a kind and considerate person and lives his faith every day. He makes every effort to visit the sick and shut-ins. We are very blessed and thankful to have him.

From Jamie and LaDonna Triplett: Father Trevor Murry of St. John’s, West Frankfort is a breath of fresh air! We actually drive 30 miles to attend his services. Yes, we have our own church within 5 miles of our home but after attending one of Father Trevor’s Masses on our way to St. Louis one Sunday morning, we were hooked! His homilies always seem to give us a new perspective and a better understanding of how the teachings of hundreds of years ago relate to our lives of today. He has such a natural talent for injecting humor into the message and his explanations of the readings and gospel are always an inspiration. He has a true gift to reach people and we are so thankful he answered God’s call to the priesthood. May we be blessed with more like him!

From Jane Kocher, St. Joseph Parish, Olney: Father Jerry Wirth knows no strangers and easily strikes up a welcoming conversation at church or wherever he is. Perhaps his very best quality is his concern and care for the sick, not only in his own parish but also of surrounding parishes. He never fails to ask relatives how the sick person is doing and faithfully visits as many as he can in hospitals and the home bound.

From the people of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish, Herrin: Msgr. Ken Schaefer “Thank you for all that you do but especially for all that you are!”

From Sandy Baechle, principal of St. Mary-St. Augustine Catholic School, Belleville and students of the school: We as a school community are twice blessed. Both Monsignor Bill McGhee and Father Patrick Okwumuo are ardent supporters of Catholic education. Most importantly, they don’t just talk the talk, they walk the walk. They truly love our kids, and the children know and feel it.

Reflections on Monsignor Bill McGhee from St. Mary-St. Augustine Catholic School students: Jordan Beishir, Grade 8 — Father Bill McGhee’s best qualities are: He cares about his parish’s health, he loves to play the accordion, and he works real life situations into his homilies. He is always in a good mood and has a great sense of humor. He loves talking to people and knows how to make us laugh. He visits school and stops by every classroom to see how we are and what we are learning in class. Brooke Ingram, Grade 8 — I love Father Bill’s attitude! He always looks on the bright side. I just love how he is constantly smiling!

Addison Burris, Grade 8 — I like how Father Bill motivates us to do good things. He really interacts with us as he visits our classrooms.

Aja Golliday, Grade 5 — In his homilies, Father Bill tries to connect to us; he gets down to our level of thinking. Also, every now and then, he tries to sneak in one of his jokes.

Nathan Mackin, Grade 7 — My favorite things about Father Bill is nice, kind, and friendly, but most of all, he is my friend.

Nina Lind, Grade 7 — He is very supportive of us and our school.

Reflections on Father Patrick Okwumuo from St. Mary-St. Augustine Catholic School students: Ethan Bach, Grade 7 —Father is my favorite; he is a great priest. He really knows how to talk to us.

Ronni Hohe, Grade 5 — Father Patrick Okwumuo is from Nigeria, so he has lots of wonderful stories to tell. His homilies are so informative; they always teach me something new.

Lucy Haas, Grade 6 — He came from Nigeria to serve God as a priest. He is a great priest, but he is also funny, helpful and caring.

Ellen Binnion, Grade 8 — Father Patrick Okwumuo is very good with the kids. When we are serving, he helps us to know what to do and why. I love how he stops by school to talk to us.

Alyssa DeBourge, Grade 8 — I love learning about Father Patrick’s culture! I am so lucky to have such a great priest leading our parish!

From the people of St. Andrew Parish, Christopher: Father Peter Balili, Welcome and Congratulations. We haven’t’ known you for very long. You came to us smiling, vibrant and spiritually strong. For you we are most grateful.

From the parishioners of Holy Childhood Church, Mascoutah: It has been about 40 years now since God sent Msgr. Jerome Hartlein, the very best person to guide and lead us. We shall be forever grateful and feel blessed. We’ve grown together through thick and thin. Msgr. Hartlein is always here for us, no matter what. He helps and guides us spiritually and listens to our problems. He is an excellent leader, very active in church, parish and city events, and gives us his support. He finds and makes time to be with us and also his ill brother in Iowa. It takes a special person to show his love for God and man. If God and Monsignor Hartlein are willing, we wish to have many more years for him as our Pastor and friend. Thanks for all you do.

From the parishioners of Holy Childhood Church, Mascoutah: We’re glad to have Father Abraham Adejoh here to assist Monsignor Hartlein with the heavy duties of our parish. God Bless.

From parishioners of Holy Childhood Church, Mascoutah: Monsignor Jerome Hartlein Thank you very much for everything you have done for our parish. You are a BLESSING to our parish. You have gone through high and low times and still you are here for us. You have accomplished many great things.

From Mike Kish, students, faculty and staff of Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Columbia: No one gets more excited about the opening day of school than Msgr. Carl Scherrer, pastor of Immaculate Conception in Columbia. He picks out a new hat, puts on his “basic black” and even greeted the first student at Latchkey! His priesthood is a reminder to us of the welcoming attitude Christ had for all he met. This year’s school theme is “Lord, every day You give us a choice, and we choose you! Amen.” Father Carl, We choose Jesus and you!

From Donna Hummert, St. Liborius Parish, St. Libory: I recently lost my mother. Father Dennis Voss, though no longer our pastor for a year at St. Liborius, has been helping me through this difficult time. He has been there for me when I need him whether it be through e-mails, phone calls or visits. He’s been there to listen and counsel me. He could have just pushed me to the side and ignored me but instead he has taken me under his wing and is helping me with my grief. He has been a “God sent”. He was also there for me and my family before my mom’s death even though he didn’t have to. I want to show my gratitude for all he has done for me. I appreciate his help more than I will ever know.

Reflections from Charlotte Newbold, principal of St. Agatha Catholic School and students of the school on Father Jim Nall. Nora, preSchool — Father Jim lets us play on the playground by his house.

Nolan and David, kindergarten — I like going up to get a blessing from Father Jim.
Abby, Grade 1 — I enjoy going to Mass with Father Jim.

Lexi, Grade 2 — I love Father Jim. He teaches us to be thankful.

Jarrett, Grade 4 — I like helping him when we go with him for Mass at the nursing home.

Anna, Grade 4 — I like when he calls on me for a special prayer in Mass.

Orion and Haley, Grade 3 — He teaches us a lot about God.

Claire, Grade 3 — He is happy when he sees us at Church on the weekends.

Joelli and Alex, Grade 5/6 — He takes time out of his busy day to visit with our class at school.
Mikayla, Grade 8 — He explains things to us so we can understand them.

Justin and Rachel, Grade 7 — He is serious when he needs to be, but he also has a great sense of humor that he shares with us!

Colton, Grade 8 — He gives good homilies.

From the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Parish, Ruma, Father Clyde Grogan. Thanks Father Clyde for being who you are. For being there in good times and in bad times. You are special.

Father Clyde is a man that is present in all situations. He encourages you to move past the trivial “muck” and see the good in everyone. He does not judge and urges you to do the same. Thank you Father Clyde for sharing the gift of Christ and the gift of yourself with the parishioners of St. Patrick’s Parish in Ruma.

From Ruth and Lyle Wessel, SS. Peter and Paul Parish, Waterloo, Father Osang Idagbo, CM and Father Dale Maxfield. Thank you, Father Osang and Father Max for being such a good representation of Christ for us at St. Peter and Paul in Waterloo.

From the parishioners of St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Radom, Father Jean-Marie Amevi Mondji. Father Jean-Marie became our parish priest at St. Michael the Archangel in Radom a little over a year ago. During this transition, Father Jean-Marie has shown patience, tolerance, and leadership during a very trying period. He has persevered and has not lost faith in our parish community. His love of the gospel and enthusiasm for the Word of the Lord is evident at every Mass. Father Jean-Marie continually strives to make us a better parish and Christian community.

From the parishioners of St. Joseph Parish, Freeburg: Father Mark Reyling is not only our priest, but a devoted friend to his parishioners. He remembers names, births, weddings, surgeries and deaths, and asks about one’s life with genuine interest and a caring ear. Father Mark’s gentle and caring demeanor is undeniable when he interacts with the students; they hold a special place in his heart. Whether he’s visiting the individual classrooms, offering to help the teachers, or giving a homily at school Masses, Father Mark approaches all of the children with warmth and patience, relating to “his kids” in ways that they can understand. Father Mark’s dedication to St. Joseph’s Parish indicates a deep pride. The way he lives out his Christian faith and priestly vocation is an inspiring example for all of us.

From a student of SS. Peter and Paul Catholic School, Waterloo, Father Osang Idagbo, CM and Father Maxfield.

Kailey Lechner — Father Max is a cool guy. He talked to me and my friends on the playground before. He also made us laugh and he talked to us about the apostles.

Hannah Gregson — I appreciate both priests because they are able to be our priests. I realize that some schools don’t have priests available to them and we are lucky enough to have two.

Laura Kimlinger — I appreciate Father Osang because he brings so much laughter to the homily and just Mass in general. He really teaches and explains the gospel so that I can understand them. Father Osang genuinely cares about our school and the people in it and we all love him just as much.

Jacob Green — Father Osang is a great priest because he is funny, nice and a great person. Father Max is relaxed, calm and good to be around. They are both great.

Breanna Wirth — Father Max is humble and kind, and teaches us about God. Without him we wouldn’t be able to have Mass.

Aubrey Davis — What I like about Father Osang and Father Max is they come right in and be a part of our school family. They come and are very nice, play, and help us. I am thankful they are here.

Sarah Rudder — I like how Father Osang always asks us questions that we can answer at church.

Gabby Southworth — Father Max is calm and patient. His homilies are always short and to the point.

Madelyn McGinnis — I appreciate how they take the time to help us fully understand the teachers. Every Mass they challenge us to learn more and more prayers, feast days, and everyday things at Mass. I am very glad to have such caring priests who are always ready to help out.

From Mark Altadonna, president of State Bank of Waterloo: We recently experienced a tragic death in the family. Our pastor, Msgr. Carl Scherrer of Immaculate Conception in Columbia, went above and beyond the call of duty to provide comfort to the members of our extended family, most of whom were not his parishioners. He drove my daughter to a St. Louis hospital and spent at least four hours with us there. There was a huge contingent of family and friends there and I don’t believe there was one person there that he didn’t reach out to in some fashion. He called to learn the visitation and funeral arrangements, then attended the visitation which was 90 miles away. He did this on a weekend when Immaculate Conception was hosting its annual picnic the following day and postponed many duties we’re sure he had relating to that event. I refer to him above as “Msgr. Carl Scherrer” out of respect, but he insists on being known simply as “Father Carl,” an indication of his humility.

From Miss Claire Hatch, principal and parishioner at Blessed Sacrament: Father Matt Elie has been a wonderful pastor to our parishioners at Blessed Sacrament. He is kind, patient, and understanding with everyone he meets. He stops in the school regularly to see how things are going. He makes himself very visible to the children. He is very devoted to his calling. We feel blessed to have a wonderful priest like Father Matthew here at Blessed Sacrament.