Monday, June 22, will mark my 35th Anniversary
of Ordination to the priesthood for the Diocese of Columbus. I am truly grateful to God for this
gift. These years have passed by so
quickly. When I take the course of my
life in a quick glance, I am in awe of all that God has permitted me to
experience in this time. It is humbling
to realize that what I remember happening has really happened to me.
Another simple realization is that I have spent a full third
of my priesthood here at St. Timothy Church.
These past 12 years have zoomed
by and taught me so much about God’s ways among His People.
A second third was spent in Newark, at the Church of the
Blessed Sacrament, my first pastorat.
The first third had me in a variety of ministerial experiences: Parish
life (St. Mary, Lancaster; St. Brendan, Hilliard; and St. Joan of Arc, Powell),
Teaching (the Catholic elementary schools where I have served, Fisher Catholic
High School in Lancaster, the Pontifical College Josephinum Seminary, and the
School for the Permanent Diaconate in the Diocese of Columbus), Vocations
Ministry for several years; and one year of study to complete a License in
Biblical Theology. Through all of this,
I have been amazed and humbled at the Providence of God, Who hears the cry of
our hearts.
My prayer is that the next “phase” of my life will allow me
to continue to grow in knowledge and Love of God and in my capacity to respond
to His Will in my life. As Dag Hammarskjöld, the Secretary-General of the United Nations
in the 1950’s, said in his private journal called Markings, “For all
that has been, Thanks. To all that shall be, Yes.”
My prayer for St.
Timothy Parish is that you will continue to grow as a community of Love, united
in mind and heart, ready to go where the Good Shepherd leads you.
Know that you will remain
in my prayers as I continue my journey in the priesthood.
Pray for the members of
our parish who are pursuing God’s Call in their lives, especially Deacon
Jonathan Smith, ordained a deacon for the Diocese of Arlington, on June 13, and
for Brandon Cullinan, who will be starting his Senior year in College at the Josephinum,
a seminarian for the Diocese of Columbus.
May these young men be joyful servants of the Lord and may there be many
who follow their example.
News about Deacon Jonathan Smith, of St.
Timothy Parish
Deacon Jonathan Smith gave his
first homily at the Basilica of Saint Mary on June 14, the Solemnity of the Body
and Blood of Christ. Smith was ordained to the diaconate by Bishop Michael
Burbidge on June 13 at the Cathedral of Saint Thomas More in Arlington.
“Today we celebrate the Body and Blood of
Christ truly present in the Eucharist,” Smith said during his homily. “I think
this feast hits closer to home this year since many of us were unable to
participate in the celebration of the Eucharist for so long. As much as we were
longing to receive Jesus in the Eucharist, Jesus has been longing to be
received by us so much more.”
You can watch his
first homily as a Deacon here: https://youtu.be/-hFSAI5N6jE.
Congratulations to
Deacon Jonathan, to his parents Mike and Mary Smith, and to all his
family. We are proud of you for your
example and witness of a joyful response to the Lord’s call.
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