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ORDINATION

Newest priest finds joy in journey

Priesthood seemed inevitable for Rev. James Ebert.

"I just loved being on the altar," he said, recalling his time as an altar server at his home parish, Immaculate Conception in Glenville. "It was just something within me."

Father Ebert got more practice in during his childhood by saying Mass in his bedroom with his stuffed animals as the congregation.

But after childhood play and years of adult formation, on June 13 he'll finally be ordained a priest for the Albany Diocese in a ceremony to be held at Immaculate Conception parish in Glenville.

A 2003 graduate of Siena College in Loudonville, Father Ebert has spent the past six years preparing for this. He began studying at St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore in 2004, and spent his pastoral year from 2006-'07 at St. Thomas the Apostle parish in Delmar. Last year, he was ordained a transitional deacon, a final step before ordination as a priest.

"I love being able to baptize kids," Father Ebert said of his time as a deacon. "That's a great joy, to bring them into the Church."

Father Ebert also mentioned his joy at witnessing marriages - all the more reason he was eager to complete his journey to the priesthood.

"I'm looking forward to be able to celebrate the other sacraments and to walk with people through the journey," he explained.

In the weeks leading up to his ordination, Father Ebert spoke about his vocation to students at Saratoga Central Catholic High School.

"I talk to them about asking God what it is He wants them to do with their lives," he said. One piece of advice: "Don't be afraid to do the things that you love."

The new priest also stressed finding good role models.

"Go in with an open heart and listen to other people," he said. "A lot of times, there's a part of you that other people know more about you than you do."

At age 29, Father Ebert understands the concerns of today's young people about pursuing a religious vocation; he went through those experiences himself.

After going to college thinking he was going to be a history teacher, he realized that his heart had always been devoted to something else. 

However, he still had his doubts.

"The biggest thing was trying to get over the fear of being alone," he said. "But I got over that by having faith and trust in God that I wouldn't be alone. I have a wonderful, loving family and wonderful, loving friends."

He has since learned that religious life is "only as lonely as you make it. When you put your heart and soul into it, there's no time to be lonely."

When he has free time, Father Ebert gets together with his former college roommates or other friends; he enjoys camping, bowling and traveling.

"I'm up for adventurous stuff," he admitted with a laugh.

With his ordination only days away, Father Ebert was enthusiastic about his future path.

"I've been watching [priests] my entire life," he said. "Now to be able to celebrate [Mass] is truly exciting."

(06/11/09) [[In-content Ad]]

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