“What you’re doing today is special. It’s proof that God still calls laborers to the vineyard,” Bishop Edward Malesic told the seven men who were accepted as candidates for the priesthood during a Sept. 8 liturgy at the Center for Pastoral Leadership in Wickliffe. The Mass took place on the 146th anniversary of the death of the first bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, Bishop Amadeus Rappe. He died at age 76 on Sept. 8, 1877.
All the men are in their first year – known as I Theology – at Saint Mary Seminary and Graduate School of Theology. Five are from the Diocese of Cleveland: Sean Christopher Homcy, Alexander William Krukemeyer, William Joseph Reed, Joseph Damian Rohan and Joshua Storm Stecz. The others are from the Diocese of Youngstown: Daniel Joseph LaPolla and Craig Justin Ziobert.
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“You are not the same people you were when you entered college,” the bishop said, noting the seven men were entering the configuration phase of their formation. “You’re beginning a deeper phase in your relationship with Christ,” he said, explaining it will be an intimate and personal relationship.
“This is a mutual decision. You want to continue and I want you to continue,” he added.
The bishop said he has watched their development, listened and consulted with those who are forming the men for the priesthood and who recommended that they continue in their formation.
“I’m proud of each of you. You are men of courage who are pondering a lifelong commitment. You agreed to enter more deeply into a relationship with Jesus,” he said.
A few weeks ago, Bishop Malesic said his brother and sister-in-law visited for a few days. He wanted them to see the newly renovated seminary, so he brought them to the CPL where Father Andy Turner, president/rector, showed them around. He also explained the pillars of formation and the preparation needed for men who hope to be ordained as priests. He said his sister-in-law was surprised to learn how intense the process was.
The bishop likened the formation process to a potter molding clay and using his wheel to create something.
“What will he form? You are like the clay. Sometimes you might get dizzy from spinning on the wheel, but you need to be formed and baked in the oven to harden. This was not meant to be easy. We hope that someday you’ll be ordained as priests,” he said.
But the bishop also warned the men that sometimes the hard part of ministry comes after ordination and that their formation need to continue throughout their lives “until you become saints in heaven.”
He urged them to “be pliable enough to be formed, but strong enough not to break,” reminding them that ministry is hard work. “Do everything for the sake of the Gospel. That’s why you’re here contemplating the priesthood. Be patient and pliable because the Lord isn’t done with you yet and he won’t be until your life ends.”
The bishop also reinforced how proud he is of the men, encouraging them to keep their heads above water and to place their trust in the Lord.
As they progress through their five years at Saint Mary, the men will earn master’s degrees in theology as they continue discerning their vocation and undergo intense formation for the priesthood including fieldwork at a parish, an internship and a year as a transitional deacon prior to priestly ordination.
Those discerning a possible priestly vocation should click here for more information.