June 25, 1995. Twenty-eight years ago I stood at the altar at St. Boniface Church to offer my first Mass. Some of you—or some of your families—were part of that day. On that afternoon, I had no idea that twenty-eight years later I’d be at the altar again, as your pastor.

My ordination invitation began with the words “With joy and gratitude to almighty God…” Twenty-eight years later that pretty much sums it up. How grateful I am for every assignment. How grateful for the moments of joy and sorrow when people welcomed me into their lives—moments of joy and sorrow, of fear and hope. How grateful for the men and women who have ministered along with me— priests and deacons, religious and lay faithful. It’s all gift, all grace. would do it again. And again and again and again.

I say this not just to give God the glory—who, after all, repeatedly puts earthen vessels to use. I say this because it’s so easy to forget to tell people: priesthood is a happy life, a meaningful life. We so often hear about the sacrifices and challenges that we miss the joy that lies at the heart of serving God’s people in the priesthood of Jesus Christ. If anyone reading these words suspects that God is calling you to ordained ministry, listen to that call. Pray about it. Talk to someone about it. Be brave enough to make the first steps. The “joy and gratitude to almighty God” that so many of us have experienced can be yours.