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Rev. David Mickiewicz, pastor of St. Peter the Apostle parish in Stillwater and Assumption/St. Paul in Mechanicville, first felt the call to the priesthood in elementary school.

Growing up in Waterford and attending Mass at St. Michael's parish in Cohoes, he fell in love with the Mass and knew he wanted to spend his life celebrating it.

Just a few weeks after graduating from Catholic University in Washington, DC, he held his seminary application in hand. Father Mickiewicz recently returned from a four-month sabbatical in Belgium to his new post in Stillwater and Mechanicville.

Who was your inspiration in becoming a priest?

It really was the liturgy itself: the linen, the incense, the choir, the cycle of feasts, the chants, the sights, sounds and smells, the whole movement of the liturgy that touches the senses. That and Bishop Howard Hubbard. If I'm even a fraction of a priest that he is a bishop, I'll be lucky.

Were your expectations met?

None of us are getting what we signed on for. The liturgy is changing and questions arose about marriage, priesthood and the religious life. You have these images of what [priesthood and religious life] are, but at some point you have to come down to earth - so, some of my expectations were tempered, some exceeded.

What's the hardest part?

Administration. It's draining emotionally and creatively and paperwork is not what I'm about. It just doesn't mesh with my personality. Parish planning - the closing of schools, churches and convents - is very painful and disappointing to me.

What's the easiest part?

I don't know a priest who doesn't like to preside over the Eucharist. But I also love liturgical preaching in general; the sacred play where time and space disappear is so important. Also, being with the ailing and dying in their time of need, that pivotal human encounter is so rich.

What makes you happy?

A good scotch doesn't hurt; but, seriously, architecture, history, meeting people, music, reading, being outside, a good restaurant are what I really enjoy. I spent four months in Belgium on sabbatical and some of my best time was spent just meeting people there and striking up conversations with them.

Do you have a secret vice?

I have a quiet side that people don't usually see or expect, but when it does come out, I think it unnerves people. That and dark, bitter chocolate.

What gives you the greatest peace?

A walk around Williamstown or Petersburg Pass, reading a New York Times in Starbucks in Saratoga, walking around New York City, driving in the car and listening to music, the Maronite Rosary and psalms. I have an eclectic prayer life.

What's your favorite Bible story or passage?

Lately, it's been the story of Jacob wrestling with the angel (Gen. 32:24-32). You're not really sure what's going on: Is he fighting with himself, God or an angel? The meaning is foggy.

What's your confirmation name?

Vincent, because that was the name of my best friend in second grade; but now I understand that it means "conqueror" and is the name of one the great deacons of our Church.

If you could dine with anyone, living or dead, who would it be?

It would be a dinner party made up of Thomas Becket; Leonard Bernstein; Pope John XXIII; Gislebertus, a French medieval sculptor; and Karl Rahner.

What do you want others to know about being a priest or being Catholic in general?

Being Catholic is wonderful. I'm a closet Anglican and follower of the Eastern churches, but [for] the literature, the law, the moral teaching, art, music, architecture, nuanced understanding of the human being, the sacred play of the liturgy, there is nothing like being Catholic. We're saints and sinners all at the same time, and we get to relish that.

FAVORITES
Music: Bach, Stephen Sondheim, Leonard Bernstein ("All the baroque.")

Performer: "I'm more about the piece of music than the performer."

Movie: "Becket"

Sport: "Nope, I don't do anything that makes me sweat."

Food: "Veal saltimbocca with vanilla ice cream and chocolate syrup for dessert; add on some Limoncello and it's my perfect meal."

(12/09/10)[[In-content Ad]]

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