“Give thanks to the Lord for He is good, for His great love endures forever.”
With these famous words from the Book of Psalms, we joyfully announce the ordinations to the priesthood of Jesus Christ of two of our transitional deacons.
With their ordinations on Friday, Dec. 10, 2010, Rev. Mr. Chad Michael Droessler and Rev. Mr. John David Putzer will in effect become the newest members of the Madison diocesan priests. Their ordination will mark the completion of their seminary formation, and the beginning of their actual priestly ministry.
At a time when some question if “young men” still have what it takes to make the commitment to the priestly vocation, Deacon John and Deacon Chad are living witnesses that they do. With the other seminarians that are currently studying for our diocese, these fine men were courageous in saying “Here am I Lord, send me.”
The good news is that there are still many out there who are actively discerning if God is calling them to priestly vocation. These are the people that we should identify and offer our encouragement and support.
This past weekend, eight young men ages 16 to 18 from the Diocese of Madison participated in the “Come and See” Weekend Program at the Immaculate Heart of Mary College Seminary, Winona, Minn. The idea of the visit is to give them a greater exposure to college life in a seminary setting.
Please continue to pray for these young people and others who were unable to go with us. The diocesan Office of Vocations has many materials that one could request and pass on to someone they think might have a vocation to the priesthood.
Moreover, as the director of the Office of Vocations, I am always ready and willing to meet with prospects or parents of prospects who are discerning a vocation to the priesthood. My work as the director of vocations is to support and guide these men without pressure through this process.
I would like to invite men 18 years and older who can to join us for a discernment retreat the weekend of January 7 to 8, 2011, at St. Francis Seminary in Milwaukee. This weekend event is hosted by all the vocations directors from Wisconsin dioceses. Participation is free of charge including transportation to and from the location. Please contact me at [email protected] or by calling 608-821-3088.
As we gradually approach the end of a very blessed year that saw the ordination of four new deacons, and four new priests for our diocese, we are filled with hope for the future. Let us continue to promote vocations in our homes, parishes, and communities. We will need more numbers to take the place of deacons Chad and John as the new seminarians for the diocese.
Finally, we extend our joyful felicitations to deacons Chad and John on their ordinations to the priesthood. We pray the good Lord who began the good work in you will bring it to its fulfillment. Ad Multos Annos!
Fr. Paul Ugo Arinze is the director of vocations for the Diocese of Madison.