As the Diocese of St. Cloud moves through the next phase of its restructuring process, one thing remains constant — the vital role of priests in guiding and sustaining their parish communities. But what do priests themselves wish people understood about their ministry, their challenges and the ways in which they feel most supported? In this compilation, priests share their perspectives in their own words, offering heartfelt insights into their vocation, the joys and struggles of their calling and how the faithful can uplift them in meaningful ways.
Studying canon law at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada
Father Thomas Skaja
Studying canon law at Saint Paul University, Ottawa, Canada
Q. What is one perception people have about you or your role as a pastor that you would change if you could?
I’ve been asked countless times and in various ways: “When do you think the Church is going to allow you guys to get married?” I think the reason they ask this is because they have the perception that we priests have been forced into a life of chaste celibacy, but nothing could be further from the truth. After years of discernment and a lot of prayer, we who have been called to this way of life choose it freely, because this is how the Lord has called us to love. We didn’t choose celibacy because we thought there was something wrong with marriage. No, we freely chose to enter into a life of chaste celibacy because we encountered a love so deep, that it caused us to give up all else. So don’t feel sorry for us, because celibacy is a gift from God that enables us to love him above all else, and gives us the opportunity to love his people. Q. What is one way the people of God could support you? By far, the greatest support we could receive is prayer. Being a priest is amazing, but it’s not without its challenges. And so knowing that the people of God not only have our backs but are also holding us up in prayer is a huge gift and we are grateful.
Together As One ACC
Father Brady Keller
Together As One ACC
Q. What is one perception people have about you or your role as a pastor that you would change if you could?
If I could, I would like to change the common misperception that at Mass, the priest is supposed to entertain the congregation, keep their attention and be engaging to the extent that he becomes the center of attention and not God. While there is some room for being engaging in the homily, the Mass as a whole is a prayer that the priest prays in the Person of Christ to the Father in the Holy Spirit, not a stage production.
Q. What is one way the people of God could support you?
One of the greatest areas where the people of God could support me is by growing in love with the Eucharist. I can’t emphasize enough how edifying, uplifting and encouraging it is to see people at prayer in adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and receiving our Lord in the Eucharist as he deserves and desires with the utmost care, reverence, attentiveness and love for even the smallest particle of the Host.
Together As One ACC
Father Jeremy Ploof
Together As One ACC
Q. What is one perception people have about you or your role as a pastor that you would change if you could?
Often, a pastor is perceived to be supporting a particular viewpoint on the Church, theology, liturgy or even morality. Many people want to box the pastor into a viewpoint, such as: A) he favors traditional versus progressive, or B) he favors one group over another in the parish. As a pastor, I am just trying to keep the ship that is the parish afloat and sailing. Each parish has a population with a great variety of interests, priorities and emphases. A single pastor over a parish or multiple parishes needs to offer priestly ministry to a wide range of people in addition to caring for the physical buildings, working with parish staff and meeting obligations to the diocese. I would like us to recognize that the role of pastor is not limited to favoring a particular viewpoint but trying to be sure that all people who want to participate in parish life have room to do so.
Q. What is one way the people of God could support you?
Living in our baptismal graces as building up both the local parish and the wider Church is one of the greatest means of supporting any pastor. Building a groundswell, a grassroots of activity in support of the parish, will not only inspire other members of the parish (and the pastor, too) to do more for the Church, but it also adds to the excitement when a first-time visitor and potential new Christian looks at the parish. The parish that fulfills its mission is not merely one that is in a heavily populated area but one that has a pastor and people working together to make sure that Christ is known, loved and served.
Father Omar Guanchez
Northern Cross ACC
Q. What is one perception people have about you or your role as a pastor that you would change if you could?
I would like parishioners to know that a pastor is a consecrated man with strengths and weaknesses. He needs the help of parishioners and together they can build a great faith community. No man can fulfill this great responsibility alone. I enjoy being a priest and I also enjoy parish ministry, and for me the support and the respect of the community I serve is crucial.
Q. What is one way the people of God could support you?
Their prayers! Volunteer! Put your gifts at the service of the Lord!
Sherburne ACC
Father Kevin Anderson
Sherburne ACC
Q. What is one perception people have about you or your role as a pastor that you would change if you could?
That I’m the guy with all the answers and the master plan. Sometimes people see the pastor like the captain of a cruise ship — steering while everyone else relaxes on deck. But I see myself more like a fellow crew member on a sailboat. We’re all adjusting the sails as we go. Vatican II reminds us that we are all the people of God, catching the wind of the Spirit together.
Q. What is one way the people of God could support you?
Jump on board! Don’t wait for a formal invitation or a goldembossed bulletin announcement. If the Spirit’s nudging you — go with it! Start something bold, something beautiful, maybe even something a little off-the-wall (the holy kind of weird is my favorite). The Church is like a lavish potluck of grace, and we need your unique dish at the table. (Just maybe not tuna Jello. We have limits.)