Read these stories of gratitude and fond memories, or share your story!
Having gone on retreats in the past 3 years and going to many Churches I have seen many priests in action. They are wonderful, they are in control of most situations, and help when help is needed. They are truly men married to God. It is awesome to watch these men.
Paula
When I was in 1st grade school at St Peter School in Jefferson City MO, Msgr Vogelweid would visit our class rooms.He would often bring candy for everyone or holy cards. Both were treasured treats and we enjoyed his visits.
Linda, Jefferson City, MO
Fr. Phil was everyone’s favorite priest. He used to give us second graders piggy-back rides at afternoon recess, and once he brought his own water gun for the end-of-the-school-year water gun fight. At school masses, my classmates and I always listened attentively to Fr. Phil’s homilies—he made church fun.
Sara, Columbia, MO
When I was in elementary school, Fr. Mac (Reverand Leonard Makulski) would come over to our elementary classrooms periodically. Whenever any adult entered the room, we would stand up and say, "Good morning, Fr. Mac. (or whomoever the adult person was)" and we would sit back down. What I remember most about Fr. Mac, is that after we greeted him and we would sit back down, he would talk with us and then he would have us kneel down, give the whole classroom of students a blessing and then hand out holy cards. That, to me was pretty special. Thanks Fr. Mac! After he retired, a couple of my siblings and I would be out for a bike ride and we would stop at his house and he would invite us in. He would visit with us. He would also show us the altar he had in his house where he celebrated Mass, daily. My parents would also invite Fr. Mac over for dinner periodically and that was pretty cool. I know he is smiling down upon us from Heaven now. He is one of my favorite and lasting memories from elementary school.
Frances, Michigan
There was a priest at Notre Dame who lived in my dorm who had a special gift. He would talk through any problem you were having or difficulty you were facing. By the time you left his room you felt like you solved the problem for yourself. It was only after you looked back did you realize how he had asked just the right questions. I was lucky enough to have this priest concelebrate my wedding several years after I graduated.
Nick, Chicago IL
I went on a retreat where there were priests serving as our spiritual advisors - but despite their role it always felt like they were just "one of the guys". They would crack jokes and even helped us plan some harmless pranks - it was a blast!
Danny, Akron OH
My brother is a priest at our local parish. When heading to church on Sundays I would tell my young son that we were going to see Jesus, however this led to some confusion when my brother called our house one day. My son answered the phone and informed me that Jesus was on the phone and wanted to talk to me!
Carrie, Chicago IL
One of my favorite memories was when I was in grade school at St. Michael's and Father Richard would come out on the playground with his guitar. He would play the guitar and we kids would sing along.
Caroline, Cleveland OH
Fr. Denis St. Marie became a dear friend of my family when I was in grade school. He spent many of his years as a priest traveling to third world countries as a missionary and always had stories to share. At a young age, he seemed to lead such a glamorous life. Really, his life as a missionary was far from that; usually living without the even the smallest comforts. He helped so many people, but his words never dwelled on his work. Rather, he spoke of what he learned from all the new friends he encountered.
Erin, Independence OH
When I was in grade school, the best days were those when Fr. Haren came to teach our religion class. He would pop his head in, ask our teacher what we were covering that day and join in on the lesson. Then, if we were well-behaved, he would save a few minutes at the end of class to tell us stories he had made up with titles like “The Doll House” and “The Green Eyed Dog.” At the time I found these stories to be delightfully scary, especially with Fr. Haren doing all of the voices.
Karin, Chicago IL
Fr. Joe Fix has been a tremendous influence on my life for the past 21 years. When I joined his parish in 1994, when I was finally able to move to the North Woods of Northern Michigan, I was a quiet, shy, person. I joined the music group and he was so supportive. One time, the musician was unable to be at Mass, due to his job of snow removal on the roads. I was so nervous, but went to the vestibule to ask Fr. Joe if Jay was coming. "No, Fran, he's out plowing the roads. Do you want to do it "acapulco" style? (that was Father's way of lightening up the situation...saying acapella in a funny way)." I was so nervous, but I picked out the main songs for Mass and led the congregation without any musical accompaniment and I couldn't get anyone else to sing on the microphones with me. That was a turning point in my life, in my confidence, in growing as a music minister. The following weekend, when Jay was back and I was at Mass, at the end of Mass, Fr. Joe made announcements and said what a great job I had done last week, without Jay and the congregation loudly applauded, as Fr. Joe led them, with a huge smile on his face. What a confidence booster! I have now been a music minister at my own Parish for over 7 years, involving Youth and others. I have Fr. Joe Fix to thank for that!
Fr. Joe has also helped me on a personal level, through grief counseling, as I have experienced the loss of many loved ones over the past couple of years. He is a good listener and helps me grow closer to God. I am just one example of the many people that Fr. Joe has influenced in a positive way over his many years of being a priest.
Thanks Fr. Joe! May the good Lord continue to guide and bless you as you shepherd his flock!
Frances, Michigan