Father Bill McCann, chaplain at Marymount Hermitage; Father John Mosier, Father Joseph Lustig, Father Pawel Pawliszko, Father Joshua Falce, Bishop Peter, Father Aleksander Dembowski (behind Father John Kucera), Father Adrian Leszko and Father Caleb Vogel. (Courtesy photos/Marymount Hermitage)
Eight priests who have served in the Diocese of Boise for five years or fewer participated in a retreat with Bishop Peter Christensen and Father Caleb Vogel, vicar general, on Sept. 27-30 at Mary-mount Hermitage near Mesa, Idaho.
The Bishop holds the retreat for the newly ordained to aid them in their adjustment to life as priests.
“The first five years for a priest are critical, just as the first five years are critical for married couples,” said Father Vogel. “It is a time of transition, and it’s a good thing to get together to discuss things you’re expecting and not expecting, including the wonderful times and the challenging times.”
In past years, speakers have been brought in to discuss topics like celibacy and parish administration and finance. While that was not the case this year, the priests were offered reflection questions by the Bishop. The Bishop also took the time for one-on-one conversations with each of the priests.
Daily Mass was celebrated and the priests joined Father Bill McCann, chaplain at Marymount, and Sister Beverly Greger, HSM, during their daily Liturgy of the Hours.
The time is a valued opportunity to “spend time in fraternity,” with fellow priests and with their Bishop, Father Vogel said. “It is so helpful for the priests to know that they have a bishop who is supportive and cares about them and wants them to be successful in ministry.”
If you enjoyed this story and would like to read more like it, please consider buying a subscription to the Idaho Catholic Register. Your $20 yearly subscription also supports the work of the Diocese of Boise Communications Department, which includes not only the newspaper, but this website, social media posts and videos. You can subscribe here, or through your parish, or send a check to 1501 S. Federal Way, Boise, ID, 83705: or call 208-350-7554 to leave a credit card payment. Thank you, and God bless you.
Comments