The Challenge in Life … To Live in the Light of Christ

September 6, 1970

 

I remember that first Monday in September when my parents dropped me off at the P.I.M.E. Missionaries High School Seminary, St’s Peter & Paul in Newark, Ohio. My decision to attend the seminary happened when I was in the 8th grade I attended a weekend retreat at the Seminary and recall the day I was leaving for the retreat: my mom, the principal of my school, Sister Edward and myself were waiting for Fr. Mario to pick me up. My mother said to Sister Edward, “I don’t know why he wants to go there.” Sister Edward said, “If God is calling him to be a priest, there is nothing you can do to stand in the way.”

September 17, 1983

 

Thirteen years later Sister Edward proved to be right. It was on this date that Bishop A. Edward Pevec, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland ordained me into the priesthood for the P.I.M.E. Missionaries. My first assignment was at our promotional center in Fraser, Michigan where I served mainly as the Vocational Director. In 1989 I transferred my office to our High School in Newark, Ohio where I taught Computer Science. The seminary had it’s last graduating class in 1990 when I then transferred to the Diocese of Orlando where I was first assigned to Blessed Trinity in Ocala for four years, Resurrection in Lakeland, Fl for two years and now entering my eighth year at St. Paul’s in Leesburg, Fl. In 1996 I was incardinated into the Diocese of Orlando, but still keep close ties with the P.I.M.E. Missionaries who helped foster my vocation.

September 21, 2003

 

It was on this date that we, as a faith community, celebrated together, with my family and friends, the “challenge” that the Lord has given to me. In 1983 I designed the logo on this letter along with the statement, “The Challenge in Life is to Live in the Light of Christ.” I continue to accept that challenge and invite you to do the same. I thank you for the love and support that you have given to me throughout the years and especially for remembering me on my 20th anniversary.

 

Thank You