I have been encouraged along the way. The parishioners and staff, as well as my brother priests, have made my transition to parish life a smooth one. I am particularly grateful for the high quality of liturgies, special events, and the variety of programming that have afforded me a continuous prayerful, learning and cultural experience of parish life and priesthood. And I would be amiss if I did not mention the friendship and availability for counsel provided to me by our pastor, Fr. S.J. They not only give me room to be myself, but continue to mold me into the ideals of priesthood.
B eing a priest is an incredible, lively, varied and, at times, demanding vocation.
And while we are all called to pray for and form one another into the image and likeness of Christ, the priesthood permits me to enter into the depths of a person s soul and life unlike anything I could have imagined. I was humbled. Thank you for letting me enter into your lives and hearts. M uch more could be said about the parish of St. Olaf, its parishioners, and my experience, and yet a simple thank you seems appropriate to a parish that seeks to serve both God and neighbor. My prayer for you, and I hope your prayer for me, is that all of us would continue to be transformed by a living relationship with Christ.