August 10, 2021
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
One adjustment that had to be made when I was ordained a priest was getting used to being referred to as “Father.” It was strange to me that the young and the old used this title of respect. Early on, it reminded me that we were all brothers and sisters through Jesus Christ. Perhaps it was a reinforcement that the blood of Jesus joined us together as a “new family.”
A favorite area of theological discipline for me was ecclesiology (the study of Church). It fascinated me that many from our evangelical tradition became Catholic after studies in patrology (the study of the early Church Fathers). It was clear to them that this was the Church that Jesus instituted. Fathers are responsible for their children, keeping them close to the family. The Early Church Fathers keep the flock close to the “family.”
Family was always a model for me in carrying out my role as priest. As I enter more of my “grandfather” years than my “father” years of priesthood in this Church family, I am constantly being reminded of the wonderful encounters that took place because of the assignments during my priesthood. I have always said that God has us where He wants us to be. It’s not always convenient or comfortable, but when we are open to His will He will use us as an instrument of His presence and glory. I don’t think a week goes by that I am not contacted by individuals that have been a part of my history. However, it is more like being contacted by family members whom you have not seen for a long period of time. Some young men and women who contact “Father Jerry” are now themselves grandparents and with their age fixed in my mind, I wonder whether they should even be driving. But their pictures, voices and notes instantly bring back the memories that connected us and the moments that made us “family.” We were meant to be together and I am convinced that it was not an act of serendipity, but one of grace.
My Church family continues to grow, and has done so in my 21 years as a bishop. I have watched how dedicated my brothers and sisters are in building the Church. I have come to appreciate their contribution, which comes from a genuine “love” for Jesus and our brothers and sisters. I could never fulfill the mission entrusted to the Church without these family members together sharing the vision I offered. As family members, they hold a special place in my heart and soul.
The day of my ordination, my mother said to me that I belonged to the Church. In a certain sense, she was informing me that I have a new family. This was not a career. I was not engaged in a business. My natural family understood. The family of God made demands and I was now “Father.”
There is a prayer, which was given to me on the day of my ordination. It was authored by Father Jean Baptiste Lacordaire: “To live in the midst of the world without wishing its pleasures; to be a member of each family, yet belonging to none: to share all sufferings; to penetrate all secrets; to heal all wounds; to go from men to God and offer Him their prayers; to return from God to men to bring pardon and hope; to have a heart of fire for charity and a heart of bronze for chastity; to teach and to pardon, console and bless always, My God, what a life! And it is yours O priest of Jesus Christ.”
I am still growing in my responsibilities as “Father” but hopefully as “family” we do so as we LOVE ONE ANOTHER.
Sincerely,
Most Reverend Jerome E. Listecki
Archbishop of Milwaukee
