35 Years a Priest

35 Years a Priest

May 12, 2017 marks the 35th anniversary of Fr. Scott’s ordination as a Catholic priest. Fr. Scott has fond memories of that day at Mundelein Seminary, May 12, 1982 when he began his priestly ministry.

And as he reflected on this milestone, he expressed appreciation for the many opportunities and privileges that being diocesan priest has afforded him over the years. They include serving faith communities in three Chicago parishes, his responsibilities as Director of Seminarians under Cardinal Bernardin and his involvement in Archdiocesan affairs, and certainly, his association with Mercy Home, which began 27 years ago when he became a member of its Board of Regents.

“As I look back, my heart is simply filled with a deep sense of gratitude to God, to my family and friends, my co-workers, my parishioners, and my mentors for accompanying me on this journey,” Fr. Scott said.

“As I look back, my heart is simply filled with a deep sense of gratitude to God, to my family and friends, my co-workers, my parishioners, and my mentors for accompanying me on this journey.”

That journey has been filled with both challenges and rewards, but he calls each day a gift. “Truth be told, priests experience the same joys and suffering, the same sense of belonging and loneliness that all of us do,” Fr. Scott said. “But throughout it all, we are sustained by knowing that God is with us in each and every moment of our lives.” He also said that being a priest means being embraced, loved, cared for, and supported by the larger community we call the Church.

Fr. Scott said that the most rewarding part of his ministry is connecting deeply with others and with God. “As a priest one is called to break open one’s life and share it with others. To celebrate the sacraments and to proclaim the Good News. What a privilege it has been to walk with friends and strangers and be with them in some of the most important moments and difficult moments of their lives. As a priest one hopes to discern with those you serve where God is found in these precious moments of life.”

Fr. Scott concluded by paraphrasing one of his favorite quotes from Dag Hammarskjöld, the Swedish diplomat and author of “Markings”: “For all that has been, thank you. For all that will be – for another 35 years, God willing – Yes.”

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