This past week, as we all look forward to Deacon McCarroll’s ordination to the priesthood, I heard a number of questions about the priesthood and ordination. Some of them pretty everyday things: Is there still room on the bus? Where’s parking available around the cathedral? How long does this thing go on? I’m away that day: can I watch the ordination somewhere?

But, one person asked me: What’s it feel like to be ordained? What’s it like once those prayers have been said, those hands anointed, that invitation to stand at the altar with the bishop offered? Do you feel different? How do you feel different?

That question gave me something to think about as I remember that day 30 years ago this Tuesday. Truth is, there’s a lot going on. In my time, we came to the cathedral after finishing five days of retreat. Plenty of time to think about a first Mass and homily. What words to say, what notes to sing. No time—and in those blessed days before cell phones, no connection with people outside the retreat center—to worry about guest lists and RSVPs, giving directions to church and cathedral, last-minute changes to menus. One just focused on the next thing and listened and prayed. Many days now, I wish I could capture that simplicity of intent.

That’s my challenge to myself in these next weeks. It’s certainly my prayer for Deacons McCarroll and Dzwonczyk at they being their priestly ministry. And it’s my prayer for both the parishes of St Boniface and St Ann’s as we move into our linkage (in October) with some new priestly leadership (in July).

I know you’ve all been wondering and praying, and hoping about who the new parochial vicar would be. The announcement came this past week. It’s Father Dias Antony Valiamarathungal. He comes to us from the Diocese of Kottapuram in India. He’s come across the globe to serve and lead among us. Let’s welcome him with open arms and hearts. Appreciate the gifts he brings. Keep him always in God’s grace as he becomes part of our parish communities this year.

And, please never forget our responsibility to pray for and support vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, religious life, and Christian marriage in our community. Let’s raise up priests and deacons from our own numbers. Let’s welcome religious women and men from our families and friends. Let’s inspire young people to embrace marriage as the sacrament that Christ intends for them.