I'm not going to change the world, but I can at least help the people I see wherever I happen to be. That can be as simple as touching someone through a sermon or as complicated as counseling a distraught woman with an unplanned pregnancy. Gadenz served as parish priest at St. Ann's parish in Keansburg, New Jersey, for two years before taking on his current assignment as priest secretary to Bishop John M. Smith of the diocese of Trenton. At his office in Lawrenceville, he helps the bishop with his daily administrative responsibilities and conducts theological research. He keeps his hand in typical priestly duties by helping out at a local parish.
Diocesan priests earn a salary and pay bills like any layperson.
Each month after his bills are paid Gadenz gives away whatever is left, though he's not required to do so. Free from any material extras, he feels he can better serve others. And serve he does. Sometimes seven days a week, though he is supposed to get Mondays off. Priesthood seems to suit Gadenz, who appears patient and thoughtful.