Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Forty years ago today I was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop
Richard Ackerman. At the time, there was great need for a priest
in Lexington (then in the Covington Diocese) and I had finished
the seminary classroom requirements. My plan was to serve as a
deacon in a parish until spring or summer, the “normal” time for
ordination to priesthood. Bishop Ackerman had other ideas. In
obedience I went off to Lexington.
Obedience to the needs of the Church, in due course, became a
“theme” to my assignments throughout my forty years as a priest.
I can honestly say that I never asked for any particular assignment, but have been tremendously blessed by every assignment
I’ve had.
Those blessings came, primarily, because the people I was sent to
serve were faithful, prayerful, charitable, patient, humble, generous, compassionate and loving, which inspired me to strengthen
these virtues in my life and ministry. Priesthood has required me
to go deeper into the well of my own faith and hope in God. It’s
true that a priest’s faith, gifts and talents form his ministry for the
People of God. It is also true that the People of God help to form
the priest. In other words, when a priest makes his priestly service
a gift to the Church, the Church becomes a gift to the priest.
Of course, my parents were the first teachers in the ways of faith
for me. Their love for each other and fidelity to their marriage
vows taught me a great deal about priestly service. If you want to
thank anyone for my priesthood, thank Velma and Vernon
Reinersman.
At an ordination (or wedding) our prayer is rooted in hope for all
the blessings we anticipate will come. At an anniversary of ordination (or wedding) our prayer is rooted in gratitude for all the
blessings that have been realized. I gladly acknowledge whatever
way you are grateful for my priestly ministry. Please accept my
gratitude for all the ways you have inspired me and caused me to
know, love and serve our Lord.
Your pastor and brother in Christ,
Rev. Gerald L. Reinersman