Even though he's busy, Petter said he's happy. His colleagues say compassion is his greatest strength. They tell the story of an elderly priest that Petter provided housing and care to for 18 years. A nurse helped him during the day, but Petter cared for him at night, tucking him into bed and even changing his diapers. He did something most people would never do, unless it was a relative,'' he said.
Most parishioners never witness a priest's private life.
They're more likely to encounter him at worship. On weekends, Petter stands at the church's doors greeting people at all nine Masses, even those he isn't leading. Most of the people coming out of church rush past him. A few stop and talk, extending a hand to shake. But some people want their babies blessed.