During this last year, Catholics across the country and around the globe have celebrated the Year For Priests. The year concluded in Rome with an international gathering of priests with the Holy Father from June 9-11, 2010.
In the final edition of this series, Catholic Leadership Institute shares a reflection from Bishop Dale Melczek. His ministry, touching the lives of millions each day, was influenced and inspired by good leaders and good shepherds who awakened in him God’s call to the priesthood.
Pope Benedict XVI’s proclamation of the Year For Priests has been a great blessing for the Church. I am deeply grateful to God for 46 years of priestly and 27 years of episcopal ministry. The Lord planted the seeds of a priestly vocation within my heart when I was in grade school through the joyful life and ministry of our associate pastor. Father Charles Fleckenstein did not live a long life. He drowned while attempting to save his blood brother, a Maryknoll priest who was overcome by waves in Lake Huron. He died as he lived, always unselfishly extending himself in behalf of young and old. His cheerful demeanor reflected a happy, tranquil heart. He was reverent at Mass and aggressive at play. His example inspired me to enter the seminary.
After my Ordination, my first and only pastor made a deep impact upon my priesthood. He spent himself tirelessly and with obvious love in service of the people. Although the parish was nearly 3,000 families, he knew most of the parishioners’ names. He never asked them nor me to do anything that he himself wouldn’t do. He respected the faithful’s baptismal character and strived to get someone from nearly every family involved in some form of ministry.
People could not refuse him because he touched their hearts with the love of Christ. Father Bretz was a priests’ priest. He had many priest friends and never missed a gathering of the presbyterate. He drew his support from prayer and from his brother priests.
God reaches us through the inspiration and ministry of one another. In this Year For Priests, I am especially grateful to the priests who have touched my life and inspired me to give myself in joyful love to others.
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