Fr. Russ Bulletin Column

Season of Advent
 
This Sunday we begin the season of Advent. I find the season of Advent very penitential for me as we always hear the Baptist cry out: “…prepare the way of the Lord…” As we continue to build the Kingdom here at St. Mary’s, may we take some time to examine our hearts to prepare, make straight, the way of the Lord… and God draws straight with crooked lines
 
Now the Rest of the Story…
 
…Remember who used to say that? Anyway, I left off with my story in 1985 when I graduated from SMU and being I was being sponsored by the Diocese of St. Cloud, I ventured up to the School of Theology at St. John’s University. My father passed away suddenly in 1986 at the young age of 59. It was here that I began to have some doubts and questions about the priesthood. The SOT had a mandatory Jerusalem Program. So, in the 2^nd Semester of Theology II, we went over to the Holy Land for a semester. This was such an interesting experience. Being over there for a length of time really gave us the opportunity to take everything in – the Scriptures came alive! On returning home I went to work with a cement crew for the summer. I returned to my 3^rd year of Theology but really felt the need to discontinue seminary studies and did so after the Christmas break. I needed to pray and think about this commitment. I came back down to IHM Seminary and spoke with Msgr. Mahon about things and he suggested I try working as a Pastoral Minister at St. Casimir’s Parish, where he was pastor. That experience solidified my decision to return to seminary studies. During this time, I asked Bishop Vlazny if I could study for the Winona Diocese. Msgr. Mahon and Bishop Vlazny thought it was not such a good idea to return to the SOT in Collegeville being I switched sponsorship. So, they mentioned I should visit some Theology Schools and choose one. I chose St. Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia, PA, as I thought I would be able to visit all the Civil War Battlefields. And of course, Fr. Jim Berning went there so he said good things about his experience. I completed my seminary studies there and was ordained in 1993 on June 23^rd at the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart by then Bishop John Vlazny. Now, as Paul Harvey says: “Now you know the rest of the story.”
 
Priesthood has had its share of challenges, but it is a good, joyful life. Sharing in people’s lives the last 30 years has been a gift. It is the “salt of the earth and light of the world” people I have served that have been great witnesses for me. All the schooling does not compare! It is necessary but in my mind it doesn’t compare. Just as my mom and dad brought me up proper in the Catholic faith, there are still more people I have come into contact with and will continue to come into contact with who will teach me about God’s life and love.