40 Years as a Priest

06-04-2023Weekly ReflectionFr. Mike Straley

Howdy,

It is hard to believe: 40 years as a priest of our Lord.! I truly hope that all of you can celebrate your life as I do mine following our Lord.

I cannot say that it was all easy, but our Jesus promised us difficult times...even a cross if we followed Him. Yes, there have been times when I wondered and doubted, but our Lord has always been there with me to give me faith and strength. To walk with His brothers and sisters has been a great gift to me.

I would not hesitate to recommend the life of a priest, a permanent deacon, or the consecrated life of a sister or brother to any young man or woman who wants to be close to our Lord. To celebrate the Eucharist, to anoint the sick and dying, to baptize and confirm in the Holy Spirit is beyond anything I could have imagined as I discerned God’s call.

I especially want to highlight not just celebrating marriage with a couple, but for many, walking with them through their lives. I am still friends with some of those whom I celebrated with in my first years at St. Joseph parish. Some I have baptized their children and watched them grow. What a gift!

I thank God for the many friends and parishioners He has brought into my life. I am truly blessed!

In thanksgiving,

Fr. Mike