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In the Know with Fr. Joe

From Bishop Mengeling

Greetings! Well, my young brothers and sisters, the data is compiled and I am ready! A whole bunch of our diocesan youth were asked to submit questions to me that they wanted answered.

Some of them, I have answered in past issues, so if you don't see your question here, be sure and check your past issue pile. You know the one...it's in the recycle bin!

Now, there were a bunch of questions about me personally, and I will start off with a little bit about me self, trying to cover these.

Hmmm ... I am 32 years old, a graduate of UM-Flint and Sacred Heart Major Seminary. I love reading, movies and Detroit Lions football. I come from a large, loving family and a small, loving Church called Mt. Zion in Montrose.

On and off through my life, I felt a call to the priesthood, some times I nurtured it, other times, I buried it. The idea scared me to be sure, but I have to say that the desire never went away. There were, in retrospect, four key events that eventually brought me to the seminary in August of 1993.

First, I had two long talks with a priest named Fr. John Bertalucci. He spoke with me and prayed with me, helping me to see not only what God wanted, but helping me find the strength to do it.

Second, at a conference in Pittsburgh a Bishop named Sam Jacobs from Louisiana sat down and spoke to me in a way I have never forgot.

Third, my family and friends supported me as best they could: prayed with me, encouraged me, challenged me, etc. This helped me to not only see what God wanted, but have the courage to follow through on it.

Finally, people were patient with me and forgiving. Feeling called to the priesthood can be a confusing thing, and I had difficulty locating a priest who was willing/able to help me. I found myself unable to express what I was feeling to anyone I thought would understand. As a result, I found myself frustrated and made some mistakes along the way and hurt people. People were (and are!) very merciful and supportive. What a great thing that is.

Once in the seminary, the teachers and staff there were amazing. They showed me how to love the Church and serve her as a priest. I met other young men (and some not so young!) who wanted to be priests also. Sacred Heart Seminary was one of God's greatest gifts to me and I am proud to have gone there and learned all that I did.

Enjoy another day in God's presence!

Send your Questions to:
"In the Know with Fr. Joe"
FAITH Magazine
300 W. Ottawa
Lansing, MI 48933
or: JoeInBlack@priest.com