Why do we love our priest? What an honor to serve along with Fr. His humbleness and sincerity during Mass shows his humaness, especially during the Confiteor, warms my heart he shows that he is one of us. Greg Rozborski of St. Pio of Pietrelcina Parish in Roseville. For this and for a lot more reasons, I love Fr. Balazy is a very giving and forgiving man. Confessing to a priest makes you even more aware of God's mercy, because once the priest absolves your sin, you know immediately that God has forgiven you John 20: 23) The church has agreed that all Catholics must confess to the priest as a sign of true repentance, obey humbly, and stop finding reasons and justifications to disobey. My very special memory is when he baptized my great-niece, Addison, and not too many weeks later celebrated the funeral Mass for my father, Salvatore. First pray to Jesus, admitting that you have sinned. Your homilies are edifying and you make it known by your words and actions that your mission as a priest is the salvation of our souls. Moloney visits our parish school every day and refers to the students as his buckaroos. (This might be because he often brings treats to share.) I am . Though he was 94 years old, the potential loss of the patriarch of our family was no easier to contemplate. Ignatius of Loyola, The parishioners of St. Joseph Parish, Erie, We at St. Benedict Parish in Waterford are truly blessed to have Fr. I do not work for the parish. Then the man confessed . My love and respect for Father continues to grow and I honor him and pray that he will continue his work as our parish pastor. 2. May he be with us for a very long time, and may God continue to bless him. Aaron DePeyster became the shepherd to St. Sebastian Parish, Dearborn Heights, in July 2011. As Dr. Amy-Jill Levine discusses in a column in the January . Brian extending sincere and heartfelt handshakes to strangers: All who welcome me, welcome my Father., Also a caring listener with a delightful sense of humor, Fr. He has so much heart and wisdom to give. That's because Catholic priests must commit to a vow of celibacy. We are truly blessed to have him at Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital. Stanley Obloj, pastor of St. Mark, has enriched my life and has made me a better Christian. Thanks to God and doctors at Botsford, Im writing to you. His theological conversations have deepened the faith of his family. For the first time in many years Fr. Personally, as a 50-something-year-old man, and understanding the culture in which we live, these fine men of God truly put Christ first in everything they do, and it is nothing short of amazing that they are able to have the profoundly positive impact that they do in the world in which we live. I am writing this letter to tell you about my parish priest. Prayer #14. J.J. Fr. 4. Whenever one of us gives him a gift or answers a request for help, there is a prompt, hand-written thank you note from him. Although I have only known Fr. Bob McCabe, for all that you do for the families of St. Pius X Parish and school. He takes time off to come in the hall in the morning to see us. Parker, for everything you do. In times of our happiness, he takes great pride and rejoices with us in the accomplishments of our children and parishioners. Zbigniew Grankowski has touched our lives at St. Barbara in Dearborn and St. Cunegunda in Detroit in so many ways. David Cybulski is to his parish (St. Joseph in Erie). Its hard to believe another year has come and gone; Father still shows his wisdom and compassion. This extraordinary priest is Msgr. Several grades contributed to this letter of gratitude. Angelus Ligeti, OFM. Stanley Obloj as our pastor and spiritual leader. His kindness, love and compassion know no bounds. To let go of someone you love, you need to accept that you can't control many things in your life. I can never have enough of you. Stanley to our parish. Show them you care by sending them a little gift on their names day, or emailing them on occasion, letting them know you care about them. As we love the Lord Jesus, we enjoy Him. Dear Father, Thank you for a pastor that seeks You with a whole heart. 9: He is smart, creative, and talented. Fr. They have more projects not mentioned here, and they are young senior citizens. Fr. He maintains our church beautifully. I would love to praise my priest Fr. 5: He has creative and interesting homilies. He developed friendships with so many people it was hard sometimes to schedule a day to take him to dinner. Any time I went to Holy Trinity, I witnessed the line-up of needy people he took care of, that my dad used to speak of. We live in Warren and drive 45 minutes one way to get to Ecorse for Mass each week and we truly cant wait to get there! He announces birthdays, anniversaries and deaths during the Mass. George Charnley, retired clergy, but still assisting at St. Kenneth Catholic Community in Plymouth. Joe Mallia is not only the pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish in Allen Park, but he is also its visionary, spiritual compass, servant and teacher. Mandatory celibacy defines a priest primarily by sex and places an inordinate amount of attention on his sex life. Father gave a warm, loving homily and invited our whole family (four married children and 10 grandchildren) onto the altar for a special blessing. Are you ready? This not only demonstrates to the children how vital the sacraments are; it also demonstrates Fr. 1: He makes us happy to be Catholic!God Bless,Lawrence Ricard Principal Immaculate Conception Catholic School, Ira Township. Before Mass, she will greet every person in church. Dealing with Rejection Next, comes acceptance. Dan also welcomes all visitors each week and makes them a part of the community by asking them to stand as we give them a round of applause. There were two dominant responses, each at about 40 percent of the total. This is what Catholics call . Stanley Obloj came to St. Mark Parish in Warren in 2012, we immediately knew we were receiving a wonderful blessing. They already have a commitment and that commitment is to God, his Church, and God's people. Fr. Stanley has been working on finding a better way through his words, prayers and actions to lead us in worship for the glorification of God! 8: He writes interesting stories. Clem Kern, although he tended to joke about and make fun of the title. We love him because he loves our children and knows how to reach out to the young. Being a pastor of a large parish with a school is a large responsibility. I thank my Fr. Our children respond to his gentle love with their own love and respect. In addition to his formal commitments, Fr. Patrick F. Halfpenny celebrates the 40th anniversary of his ordination. The Wooten FamilyImmaculate Conception Parish, Ira Township. Greg has been faced with many challenges from angry parishioners after the blending of three parishes into one. We all had faith in Fr. His qualifications as a priest go beyond the calling of the faith. Greg is a wonderful priest. From his no-fear confessions, healing Masses, to calling his parishioners by their first names, he deserves more than a mere letter of praise and recognition. Thank you, Fr. One was a Japanese family. For example, he has inspired me to attend Mass on a regular basis, due to his phenomenal and engaging homilies, become a liturgical minister and Eucharistic minister, volunteer at various parish activities and join parish committees. John Hedges has been a priest for 25 years. His smile invites friendliness and caring. It is also apparent in his actions his love of God and the Church. At the core of my being, I want you to have joy, a relationship with God and his Church, and you to know your incredible worth. He has a wealth of understanding and compassion, and has helped so many souls. He speaks well and tells us how much Jesus loves us and to share his message. As a congregation, we also give thanks for anyone celebrating the gift of life for the coming week; we sing Happy Birthday to those who are having a birthday. Paul is a visible member of our school community. When Fr. When youre in his class at Sacred Heart Major Seminary, you want to learn. It was one of the most rewarding professional experiences I have had since becoming a licensed professional counselor in 1990. In that spirit, this is the perfect time to recognize these two fine men who have dedicated their lives to God. Zbigniew Grankowski? So far its working out pretty good; I love working there. Greg and prayed hard for everything to work out. Fr. He remembers names and easily speaks with any and all patients and families, visitors in the hallway, volunteers, physicians, staff from all areas of the hospital, and our special needs students from Jo Brighton. George, for going over and beyond your retirement years to share with us the gift of your priesthood a true servant and waiter of Christ! He knows that life is short, and each day, each hour, each minute brings us opportunities, gifts and blessings if we are open and willing to recognize and receive them. About three years ago, I moved to Farmington Hills, and in February of 2014 almost died. One of those came from pastors or church members who shared with me that they indeed did give a gift to their pastor during the Christmas season. Barnabs G. Kiss and Fr. Denis Theroux from Our Lady of Victory Parish in Northville, is the most nicest priest in the world. The answer is, "It is not about you. Stanleys homily again! "When you witness a situation when someone is being rude to a priest, let him know that you noticed and express compassion." 13. You don't even have to say "Father bless," just get ready to "catch the blessing" and he'll know what you're doing. He does this through his interpersonal skills that convey his vision that allow him to remain grounded in the lives of people and his own humanity. Zbigniew Grankowski as our beloved pastor at St. Cunegunda Church in Detroit. John Dumas as our parish priest because he helps us learn about God. He took interest in our youth group and came to our activities. Fr. The way that he personalizes his homilies is a very special gift to all of us. At each parish he is very effective at preaching, visiting the sick, celebrating the Eucharist, encouraging the youth, evangelizing, working with the poor and more. He led us in rebuilding our parish into a home that speaks to each of us of Gods will for us in our lives. Our friars are a blessing to so many. For a believer to marry an unbeliever is to sin grievously against God and God's people. Fr. May our Sweetest Heart of Mary be with you always. Announcements are saved until the end of Mass, again, not mixed in. Thank You, Fr. There are only three Hungarian-speaking priests in the U.S. right now, so these two are called upon frequently to preach and give retreats elsewhere in the country. Annes, the parish next door. Father has been a priest a short time, but you can already see the future holds great opportunity for him. The St. Charles Lwanga Parish family in Detroit would like to congratulate Fr. We believe that if there were more priests like him, wed have more people (especially younger ones) in our churches today. Now more than ever, evil is lurking around every corner, but with devoted men of Christ like Fr. Jim Grau, during Priesthood Sunday. Fr. Marriage is a sacrament, and deciding to receive this sacrament comes with responsibilities. And we are so happy and glad! Friends and family question our decision to drive that far to make St. Andre Bessette our parish home. He inspires everyone with his wise words, always entwining the Gospel into daily life in his homilies. Tim is director of priestly vocations, and Fr. Tom, and for coming back to us! But never forget that "yes he did use you."Emotionally, sexually, to meet his unmet needsand in doing so, the priest along with his "bride" Catholicism, has also damaged the woman spirituality to some extent. Everyday I see you I want to run into your arms and kiss you. The St. Linus Catholic School CommunityDearborn Heights. Brian has never actually been my pastor but I feel deeply blessed to call him friend since childhood. Reconciling earthly family matters with the teachings of Christ can be challenging. Msgr. I thank God during each Mass for Fr. Basil the Great Parish in Eastpointe has the peace, sense of humor, wisdom and positive attitude of someone far beyond his years. Our newest priest here at the National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica in Royal Oak is Fr. Grant Your clarity. Lord, he deserves it. Darrell has wonderfully inspirational homilies. It's a particularly poignant element of priestly discernment that most of us don't get to hear. Let him know that you notice the effort he makes to . You aren't in love with him because he's a priest. Craig is just what our parish needed, a breath of fresh air. Craig Giera had some big shoes to fill when he took over after the death of our beloved Fr. I admire my priest very much, and I wonder if that's okay or if I might slip and fall in love with him. Thank you Fr. His parishioners are his family and he desires to know us individually. We tell them that Fr. The priest who inspired my husband and I is Fr. We still miss Fr. You have made a big difference in the lives of the people of St. Mark. 11K views, 428 likes, 445 loves, 3.6K comments, 188 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from EWTN: Starting at 8 a.m. He remains faithful to God by praying. We, the parishioners of St. Mark Parish in Warren, are very blessed to have Fr. We are truly blessed to have him as our pastor. Once they meet Fr. Pat practiced setting an example for us. Father brushed up on his Spanish so he could minister to our parishioners who are of Mexican descent. Father prayed with us, encouraged us, and loved us. Bob, for all that you do. Thank you, Fr. Brian on a golf course (admittedly, he dislikes the sport), but youll always spot him walking the Mackinac Bridge on Labor Day. David Lesniak, has been at St. Alphonsus in Dearborn for more than 11 years. He always takes notice of who is at Mass, and he has always managed to give me the exactly right word of encouragement at the right time. He is the most spiritual, selfless and humble man I know. When filled with spirituality, generosity of spirit and humility, they inspire us to become better Catholics and to carry our faith out into an often-hostile world. Lesniak, we pray that our parish will live on and thrive. Zbigniew Grankowski is so special for my family. One word to describe her is energy. We all love her as well. "Giving in a regular, disciplined, generous way-up to and beyond the tithe-is simply good sense in view of the promises of God.". They have deeply impacted our children, from an excellent education to teaching them high moral standards. He visits the homebound weekly and when called, rushes to the bedside of the dying, even those who are not members of the parish. Last year, Fr. Having a brother in the seminary, we learned not as much about theology as about living life as good followers of Christ. Fr. Fr. David, Fr. He always stresses that we are a family of God. He says, Just call me whenever you need me.. 2. Simply Say "Thank You" - While blatantly obvious, sometimes weeks go by for a pastor without someone verbally saying thank you. He is truly a gift from God from the Archdiocese of Detroit. Fr. They didnt have to be especially blessed; in a sense, all of Gods creation became sacramental. In general, if you explain to the priest the situation you are in, he will be able to adjust his guidance. Craig. Joe, it gives my family and me the strength to live the words of Joshua 24:15: As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord. And may God continue to richly bless Archbishop Allen Vigneron for assigning these fine men to our parish, and for the wonderful leadership of his flock, the AOD. When you need help with bills, he is there to give a helping hand. Thank you, Fr. Without him there we would be without Jesus in our lives in the Holy Eucharist. It is brilliantly done in a way that allows children to interact with him through skits, providing lessons for all, while at the same time helping the children to grow in their faith. He really is the ultimate epitome of what a priest should be a true representative of Christ. CFoxDWH. At Easter Vigil 2015, my sister became Catholic; it was Fr. You have given me all that I am and all that I possess. Fr. Father is also responsible for bringing the Dominican Sisters of Mary, Mother of the Eucharist to our school. The time we spend together is really special to me. He guides his flock, watches over us, and is there when one of us calls out for help. As you pray for the priests in your life, here are a few suggestions. The woman went first and revealed that she had been cheating on her husband with a male friend of the couple. Joe for all that you have done and all the sacrifices you have made for the IC community. 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