Carl Diederichs was ordained to the priesthood by Milwaukee Archbishop Rembert G. Weakland, O.S.B., on Saturday, May 18, at the Cathedral of St.John the Evangelist.
A native of Marytown, Wis., in northern Fond du Lac county, Diederichs feels that he has been called "by the people to serve the people."
"I see one of my roles as making the Gospel come alive in people's lives and in my life as well," said Diederichs. "I truly will be ordained for them. I will be available for them at important times in their lives."
The calling to the priesthood has been a lifelong reality for Diederichs, but one that he acted on later in life than most seminarians. "I knew when it was the right time, when it was God's time," said Diederichs, who is 62.
As part of his studies at Saint Francis Seminary, Diederichs completed a nine-month internship at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish in New Berlin. "I had the opportunity to interact with people in many ways. I learned that in order for people to truly be transformed, you have to touch their heart," he said.
Following ordination, Diederichs will join the St. John Cathedral staff as associate pastor on June 18. As a member of the Cathedral staff, Diederichs will focus on outreach ministry. He hopes to develop projects that parishes across the archdiocese can become involved with and support.
Diederichs will celebrate Mass at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish on June 1-2. He will return to his native Marytown to celebrate Mass at St. Mary Parish on June 30.
As a student at Saint Francis Seminary, Diederichs studied with other men who were preparing for the priesthood, as well as men and women who were enrolled in the Lay Formation Program.
"It was a pleasure to be with my fellow students at the seminary," said Diederichs. "There is a good spirit about them and they are a very diverse group of people."
Currently, there are 21 seminarians in graduate studies and five seminarians in undergraduate studies at Saint Francis Seminary. |
Carl Diederichs lies prostrate before God during the Litany of Saints.
(Photo by Mark Avery)
Archbishop Weakland lays his hands on Carl Diederichs head. All the
priests in attendance did the same. This is an ancient biblical gesture
beseeching God to empower the candidate by the Holy Spirit. (Photo by
Mark Avery)
Archbishop Weakland hands to Rev. Carl Diederichs, the gifts of bread and
wine that will be used during the Holy Eucharist. This signifies that
one of the new priest's central duties is to preside at the Holy
Eucharist. (Photo by Mark Avery)
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