Jubilarians assess life in priesthood

"The priesthood has been a wonderful journey with the people of God that has far exceeded all my early expectations. It has truly been 'soul-stirring' to have walked in faith with God's people."

That was one of Rev. George Brucker's thoughts on the occasion of his golden jubilee of ordination. He and other priests celebrating significant anniversaries shared reflections on their vocations with The Evangelist. (Stories about them can be found in this special section, pages 13-16.)

"The Eucharist has been my mainstay," Father Brucker continued. "It truly has been a wonderful journey with Christ, which still enables me to celebrate the Eucharist with God's people and exercise the marvelous power of the Sacrament of Reconciliation."

Rewarded

Another golden jubilarian, Rev. William Jillisky, said that "no one has been blessed by God more than I. The rewards have been enormous and satisfying."

What makes the priesthood worthwhile, added Rev. Stanislaus Swierzowski, who was ordained in 1956, are "the opportunities to be of service to so many persons, sharing their joys and sorrows, being inspired by their faith in the Lord, and being accepted and supported by them."

Rev. Leo O'Brien, who just retired after five decades in ministry, called his time as a priest "meaningful and fulfilling. I happily encourage others" to become priests.

For that to happen, noted Rev. John Riley, parents have to play a role because "the seed-bed of a vocation is the home, where the prayerful example of parents gives birth to vocations."

Way to heaven

Rev. Kenneth Doyle, who was ordained in 1966, said he knew in high school that he "wanted a profession that would help people: doctor, teacher, lawyer, coach."

When he heard a vocation talk, "it occurred to me that the way I could help people the most would be to help them get to heaven. I still believe that, and I would do it again in a heartbeat."

"Meaningful" is a word that often turns up when priests reflect on their lives. Rev. David Noone, for example, said that "I can honestly say that being a priest has turned out to be a most meaningful way to live a life. There isn't a day that goes by that you don't have some first-hand experience of 'grace at work.'"

After 40 years, he added, "I have learned that ministry isn't something the priest does; it's what he allows God to do through him."

Looking ahead

Rev. Carl Urban, another 40-year priest, looks forward to more years of service.

"Exciting challenges lie ahead," he declared, "with a quite different understanding of the ordained priesthood that of [1966]."

The difference between now and then was also cited by Rev. John Varno, who called his four decades as a priest "a wonderful experience during a growing and changing time."

Military life

Two of the jubilarians this year have long experience as military chaplains, giving them a unique perspective.

Said Rev. Donald Rutherford, "My 25 years of priesthood has called me to very different places -- from the beautiful hills of Oneonta and Otsego County to the deserts of Saudi Arabia and the terrible destruction of Baghdad. In those diverse places, God has been present to me -- from the young families in the Diocese celebrating a child's Baptism to the young, frightened soldier about to go on patrol.

"In looking back, I really don't know who ministered to whom. They care for me as much as I care for them."

Rev. J. Barry Lonergan, who is marking 40 years as a priest, said, "I have had an exciting life that I could never have imagined as a teenager. I have had the good fortune to travel the world and live in some fantastic places. It's a great honor to serve soldiers and their families. If a young man wants an exciting and meaningful life, he should think about the priesthood."

(5/4/06) [[In-content Ad]]