Four new priests for the Diocese of Phoenix take part in the Eucharistic Prayer during the Mass of Ordination on June 6 at St. Juan Diego Catholic Church in Chandler. ‘Priests of the Lord, Ministers of God’ Four transitional deacons raised to the order of priesthood
By Joyce Coronel larger parishes. watched live via Facebook and Bishop Olmsted expressed his Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, YouTube, a sense of sharing in the gratitude to parents, parishes and n a solemn liturgy resplendent in things were a bit different this year sacred moment. brother priests and deacons who tradition, four young men from the and attendance was by invitation The trilingual Mass of played a role in the lives of the four Diocese of Phoenix were ordained I only. In the weeks leading up to the ordination was concelebrated by men to be ordained to the to the priesthood June 6 at St. Juan Mass, each of the ordinands was priesthood. Diego Catholic Church in Chandler. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, given 40 invitations to distribute to “God has called them to serve in The four newly minted priests Auxiliary Bishop Eduardo A. family and friends who traveled His kingdom, called them to years hail from throughout the diocese Nevares and the Rev. John Nepil of from around the country to be of formation, prayers and sacrifices and include Fr. Nathaniel Glenn, St. John Vianney Theological there for the big day. and offerings through all this time,” Fr. Kevin Penkalski, Fr. Gabriel Seminary in Denver. Bishop Olmsted said. “Today the Terrill, and Fr. Estevan Wetzel. St. Juan Diego Parish, dedicated Scripture readings were in both Lord changes their lives in a Ordinarily, an ordination Mass just three years ago, was chosen English and Spanish and select substantial way for the sake of the draws a standing-room-only crowd due to the ease with which it hymns and responses were sung in live-streams the Mass. Five kingdom of God.” to the diocese’s cathedral, Ss. Latin. After the Gospel was proclaimed by Simon and Jude, or one of the cameras provided viewers, who As the Mass got underway, — ORDINATION, Page 6 ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 2
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For as long as I remember, able to bring other people to I’ve always been fascinated Christ and help them see how the “with the priesthood,” Fr. Ga- Lord is working in their life,” Fr. briel Terrill said just days before Terrill said. his ordination. He was only 5 Was he ready to be a priest? years old when he told his family Fr. Terrill laughed but then be- he wanted to be a priest. came reflective. “In one sense, “You know how when you go yes, I feel prepared and I have the to school or RE, when they ask conviction that there are no what you want to be when you’re doubts about this being my voca- older? I would always draw my- tion. So I feel ready in that sense. self as a priest, a cowboy, an as- “There’s a lot you don’t learn tronaut or all three.” in seminary and you can’t learn Kelly Terrill, his mom, says in seminary —you’re going to she still has the picture Fr. Terrill learn it in the parish and you’re drew when he was 5, declaring going to learn it from the people, he would one day be a “P-R-E-E- from just actually doing it.” S-T.” “Over time, I found out that cowboys weren’t what I thought they were, hunting down bad Getting to Know guys, and I found out space is Fr. Gabriel Terrill kind of scary. So the priesthood stuck and the desire grew over Birthplace: Salt Lake City, time,” Fr. Terrill said. Fr. Gabriel Terrill prays before his ordination; below, Fr. Mary Patrick Boyle, 92, mentored Fr. Terrill. Utah Growing up the second child Age he felt called to in a close-knit family with seven priesthood: 5 ginning with Fr. Matt Lowry later, they realized their son had children, Fr. Terrill spent the Sports: Soccer and Kempo whose ordination the Terrill found his rightful place. first five years of his life in Utah. karate through high school family attended years later. All After completing studies at The family visited Abbey of the Professional Team Faves: along, Fr. Terrill never wavered the Jospehinum, he went on to Holy Trinity, a Trappist mon- Diamondbacks, Cardinals, Phoe- in his desire for priesthood. the Pontifical North American astery in Huntsville, Utah, once nix Suns “We always said, just because College in Rome where he spent a month. Hobbies: drawing, visiting you’ve been saying it all these four years studying theology—in “He really loved the Trappist art museums, biking and long- years, don’t feel pressured by us. Italian. He and his family were lifestyle and originally he wanted board, watching movies with Just listen to what God is calling both surprised he was selected to be a monk but was also very friends, reading literature, mak- you to do,” Kelly said. for studies abroad. interested in science. For a while, ing coffee Even as a child, Fr. Terrill had “When I actually got on the he said he wanted to be a monk Siblings: three brothers and a soothing personality. When plane, I was wondering, what am and a scientist at the same time,” three sisters Kelly’s 18-year-old brother died, I going to do because I’m not a Kelly said. Previous profession: Sand- it was Fr. Terrill who consoled linguistic person,” Fr. Terrill One of the monks, Fr. Mary wich artist at Subway during the family. “At that funeral, he said. “It was a rush those first Patrick Boyle, made quite an im- high school “if you count sand- said that he realized he wanted couple weeks. You’re taking in so pression on Fr. Terrill. wich artistry a profession.” to be a priest and he wanted to much stuff, you’re learning the “I remember seeing the peace Favorite subject in semi- be there to comfort people” culture.” he had about him and his con- nary: literature, philosophy, precautions of the pandemic did- That’s not to say there’s a lack The universality of the Cath- nection with the Lord and I just biblical and dogma courses n’t allow it. Still, his presence of levity in the young priest ho- olic faith hit home. Whether at- desired that so much,” Fr. Terrill Saints who inspires him was felt. wever. Frequent laughter tending Mass in German, said. “I think that’s where it the most: St. Francis of Assisi, “He’s been there every step of punctuated the telling of his vo- Portuguese or other languages, really took.” St. Catherine of Siena and the way,” Fr. Terrill said. “He’s cation journey. “you understand the language of For a while, he thought about Blessed Stanley Rother been a great mentor and he con- “He’s not afraid to laugh at the Mass and you know what’s becoming a Trappist monk him- Languages spoken: English siders it an honor and a joy to himself—he’s kind of goofy,” going on. It’s this incredible con- self. with a sprinkle of Spanish and a have accompanied me in my dis- Kelly said. “He is genuine and nection you get to experience be- “When I found out that Trap- touch of Italian. I’ve met Latin, cernment and preparation.” down-to-earth, easy to talk to. I tween all Catholics, that unity in pist monks had to be silent all Greek, and Hebrew but we are Growing up in Mesa, think he’ll be a good confessor.” Christ.” the time, I knew it wasn’t for me. not good friends yet. Arizona, Fr. Terrill was Fr. Terrill attended World In the days leading up to his The silence was nice but I knew Instruments played: “I homeschooled. As an Youth Day in Spain in 2011 and ordination, Fr. Terrill reflected I’d drive the monks insane,” Fr. used to play trumpet. I’m also altar-server, he was frequently walked the Camino de Santiago on what inspired him to serve Terrill chuckles. Fr. Boyle is now very well versed in Spotify. If called to serve at funerals when pilgrim journey just before his God as a priest. Being able to 92 and it is he who consecrated you really pushed me, I could other servers were in school. senior year of high school. A celebrate Mass and consecrate all seven Terrill children to the rock a decent triangle.” “So he spent a lot of time at month after turning 18, his par- the Eucharist was the chief inspi- Blessed Virgin Mary while they Favorite flavor ice cream: church. Funerals, adoration, talk- ents put him on a plane to Co- ration but there was more. were still in utero, Kelly said. He Anything with peanut butter in ing to priests,” Kelly said. He lumbus, Ohio, to begin studies at “There’s a deep desire to be planned to attend Fr. Terrill’s or- began writing to seminarians it dination and vest him, but the the Pontifical College Josephi- close to the Lord, that closeness while he was in sixth grade, be- num. When they visited a month of the priesthood, but also to be ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 6
ORDINATION, From Page 1 great with their lives, the Lord Jesus is dozen priests from throughout the Fr. Jason Wallace, vice rector of St. filling you with the joy of the Gospel diocese came and laid hands on each of John Vianney, stood in line for a Fr. Nepil, the four transitional deacons and the grace of priestly ordination,” the men. Bishop Olmsted then prayed blessing from Fr. Kevin Penkalski. “Fr. were presented to Bishop Olmsted by Bishop Olmsted said. the words of ordination: “And now we Kevin is going to be a fervent priest Fr. Paul Sullivan, director of the Office He encouraged the four men to beseech you Lord, in our weakness, to who deeply cares for people and will be of Vocations for the Phoenix Diocese. keep close the words of Jesus that grant us these helpers that we need to concerned about everybody’s Called forward one at a time by name, those who desire to be greatest in the exercise the priesthood that comes well-being,” Fr .Wallace said. “He will they each took their place before the kingdom must be a servant to all. from the Apostles.” go out of his way to make sure they are bishop. After the homily, the four stood Afterward, the four new priests taken care of.” Speaking the words of the Rite of near Bishop Olmsted, vested in their stood and removed their deacon’s stole Gretchen Malovoz was there at the Ordination, Bishop Olmsted addressed white alb and deacon’s stole. The and received the priest’s stole and invitation of Fr. Nathaniel Glenn. She the families and friends of the four bishop asked them a series of chasuble. Bishop Olmsted then called the experience “absolutely ordinands. “They will be consecrated questions, among them: Did they anointed each of the men’s palms with overwhelming and emotional,” noting as true priests of the New Testament, resolve to discharge the office of Chrism oil. The mothers of the four that Fr. Glenn had been part of the to preach the Gospel, to shepherd priesthood worthily and celebrate new priests carried the gifts of bread adopt-a-seminarian program her God’s people and to celebrate the faithfully the mysteries of Christ, and wine to the altar. Each of the family participated in. Her children sacred liturgy, especially the Lord’s especially the Sacrifice of the Eucharist newly ordained men prayed a portion wrote to him while he was in the Sacrifice,” Bishop Olmsted said. and the Sacrament of Reconciliation? of the Eucharistic Prayer and seminary . He then turned to the four men They answered in unison, “I do.” distributed Holy Communion. “I think we are blessed with a man who stood before him. One by one, they knelt before When the Mass ended, family and who is filled with the Holy Spirit and “My dear sons about to be ordained Bishop Olmsted, placing their joined friends lined up to receive the first wisdom,” Malovoz said. priests, some of you have already paid hands in his and promising respect and blessings of the new priests. Alice Wold On July 1, each of the new priests a heavy price for your fidelity to Christ; obedience to him and his successors. of Corpus Christi Parish, a member of will report for his first assignment. Fr. for this I give praise to God,” Bishop “May God who has begun the good the Serra Club, said she has known Fr. Nathaniel Glenn will be parochial vicar Olmsted said. He referenced St. John work in you bring it to fulfillment,” the Nathaniel Glenn since he was a young at St. Daniel the Prophet Parish in Vianney, patron of parish priests, who bishop said to each. boy. Scottsdale and part-time chaplain at spent countless hours in the They then lay prostrate on the floor “He came to one of the very first St. Xavier College Preparatory in Phoenix. confessional daily, and St. Junipero before the altar, symbolizing their Andrew’s dinners that we ever had for Fr. Estevan Wetzel will serve as for- Serra, a missionary who defended the complete dependence on God and the young boys to get to know young mator at Nazareth House and chaplain dignity and rights of Native Americans prayers of the Christian community. priests,” Wold said. at St. Mary’s High School in Phoenix. of the New World. Fr. Nepil read the litany of the saints as Dan Wetzel said he was proud of Fr. Gabriel Terrill will serve as paro- “At a time when the fear and the congregation prayed. his nephew, Fr. Estevan Wetzel. “I chial vicar at Queen of Peace Parish in suffering caused by COVID-19 have Then each of the four knelt before think that he will be a big part of all of Mesa and Fr. Kevin Penkalski will serve robbed many of their trust in God’s Bishop Olmsted who laid hands on our growth and bring us all even closer as parochial vicar at St. Henry in love and their hope of doing something them. A procession of more than a to God,” Dan said. Buckeye.
Very Reverend Steven P. Beseau, President/Rector, and the seminarians, faculty and staff of the Pontifical College Josephinum send congratulations and prayerful best wishes to
ALUMNI FATHER NATHANIEL GLENN FATHER KEVIN PENKALSKI FATHER GABRIEL TERRILL FATHER ESTEVAN WETZEL
Ordained to the Holy Priesthood June 6, 2020 Ad Multos Annos!
7625 North High STreet Columbus, OHio 43235 www.pcj.edu ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 7 From the Rite of Ordination Congratulations to Now, dear sons, you are to be raised to the Order of the members is sinful, and to walk in newness of life. Priesthood. For your part you will exercise the sacred duty of Remember, when you gather others into the People of God these priests teaching in the name of Christ the Teacher. through Baptism, and when you forgive sins in the name of Impart to everyone the word of God which you have Christ and the Church in the Sacrament of Penance; when you celebrating received with joy. Meditating on the law of the Lord, see that comfort the sick with holy oil and celebrate the sacred rites, you believe what you read, that you teach what you believe, when you offer prayers of praise and thanks to God milestone and that you practice what you teach. throughout the hours of the day, not only for the People of In this way, let what you teach be nourishment for the God but for the whole world-remember then that you are anniversaries People of God. Let the holiness of your lives be a delightful taken from among men and appointed on their behalf for fragrance to Christ’s faithful, so that by word and example those things that pertain to God. 50 Years of Priesthood you may build up the house which is God’s Church. Therefore, carry out the ministry of Christ the Priest with Fr. Franklin Bartel Likewise you will exercise in Christ the office of constant joy and genuine love, attending not to your own Fr. Brian Bell sanctifying. For by your ministry the spiritual sacrifice of the concerns but to those of Jesus Christ. Fr. Robert J. Rossi, O.S.C. faithful will be made perfect, being united to the Sacrifice of Finally, dear sons, exercising for your part the office of Fr. Robert J. Voss Christ, which will be offered through your hands in an Christ, Head and Shepherd, while united with the Bishop and unbloody way on the altar, in union with the faithful, in the subject to him, strive to bring the faithful together into one 40 Years of Priesthood celebration of the Sacraments. family, so that you may lead them to God the Father through Understand, therefore, what you do and imitate what you Christ in the Holy Spirit. Keep always before your eyes the Fr. Joseph Anthony celebrate. As celebrants of the mystery of the Lord’s Death example of the Good Shepherd who came not to be served but Fr. Gerald Caffrey, C.M.F. and Resurrection, strive to put to death whatever in your to serve, and who came to seek out and save what was lost. Fr. Robert Caruso Fr. Michael Couhig, C.S.C. Fr. William D. Dorwart, C.S.C. Fr. Charles Kieffer The Road to a Priestly Vocation Fr. Dennis O’Rourke By Fr. Paul Sullivan to day living. He did not simply give a book or a teaching; Fr. Charles Schultz When a young person joins the nor did he remain in the Temple; He walked among those Fr. Larry W. Weidner military, he or she begins with basic who he would call friends and fellow sons of the Father. training. When one joins the police Though our time may be one of individualism and one 25 Years of Priesthood force, they start with the academy. lacking friendship among men, it cannot be so for priests Fr. Fredrick Adamson, V.G. When one is prepared to be a doctor, who, like the Apostles, are called to serve together in a Fr. Andres Arango there’s medical school. common mission as friends. When a man is being prepared for True brotherhood seeks growth in holiness rather Fr. Joevensie Nunez Balang the priesthood, there is the seminary. than competition. Fr. Felix Joal Bernales A call to the priesthood is not Fr. Raj Britto, C.M.F. simply a call to a career, but to a Fr. Alvin Cayetano, S.O.L.T. vocation and so perhaps it is more akin to an Formation in Communion Fr. Eric Houseknecht engagement. Nonetheless, the road to the priesthood is The lived union with the Lord and fraternity on the Fr. Donald Kline, V.F. an essential time for a man to grow and be “formed” after Fr. Daniel McBride the Heart of the Master. road toward the priesthood leads one to be a “man of communion” as St. John Paul II would say. Msgr. Ronald Metha A priest united to Christ, who is able to enter into Fr. Jilson Panakkal, J.C.D. Formation of the Heart relationships with those he serves can in turn draw them Fr. Jacek Wesolowski, S.Chr. into union with the Lord. Fr. Venantius Yikore With this interior maturity, the call is heard from a This is the priest who not only welcomes, but longs for and seeks out the unity for which Christ prayed to the place of depth and thus provides confidence and 10 Years of Priesthood conviction to live the vocation with courage. Father for at the Last Supper and ultimately gave all for. May the hearts of the four newly ordained priests Fr. Clement Attah, V.C. One may be inspired toward the priesthood prior to burn with this love. Fr. Edward Gilbert Rivera entry in to the seminary, but it is in the seminary where Fr. Paul Sullivan is Director of Vocations. Fr. Chad King that call is tested and purified in what Jesus calls the Fr. Martin Munoz “inner room” where one is still and seen by the God the Fr. John Parks Father. While a young man may have experiences and “signs” Serra Prayer for Vocations directing him to the priesthood, the call is ultimately O God, Who wills not the death of a sinner, but rather that he This commemorative edition of Encounter, a publication confirmed in the inner room with God and in communion be converted and live, grant we beseech You through the inter- authorized by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix, is with the Church. published by Wrangler News, a division of Newslink LLC. cession of the Blessed Mary, ever Virgin, Saint Joseph, her Formation in Fraternity spouse, Saint Junipero Serra, and all the saints, an increase of Content development and editing by Joyce Coronel. Photography by Billy Hardiman. laborers for your Church, fellow laborers with Christ to spend This formation happens in the context of fraternity in Information: [email protected] | 480-966-0837 and consume themselves for souls, through the same Jesus Warner Century Plaza, 2145 E. Warner Road, Tempe, AZ 85284 places like Nazareth House and St. John Vianney Est. 1991 | Don Kirkland, founder & president Seminary. The Lord formed the first Apostles amidst day Christ, Your Son, Who lives and reigns with You, in the unity © 2020 Newslink LLC ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 8 ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 9
Clockwise: Fr. Estevan Wetzel, Fr. Kevin Penkalski, Bishop Eduardo A. Nevares, Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted, Fr. Gabriel Terril and Fr. Nathaniel Glenn outside St. Juan Diego Catholic Church in Chandler on ordination day, June 6, 2020; Fr. Nathaniel Glenn and Fr. Estevan Wetzel prostrate themselves before the altar; David and Kelly Terrill, parents of Fr. Gabriel Terrill; Bishop Olmsted anoints the hands of Fr. Nathaniel Glenn; Fr. Frankie Cicero vests Fr. Kevin Penkalski as Fr. Penkalski’s mother looks on; Fr. Gabriel Terrill processes into St. Juan Diego Church.
Photos for Encounter by Billy Hardiman ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 10 Fr. Kevin Penkalski Confession experience opened door of joy to priesthood “There was no formal youth was in that moment I said, Denver, Colorado. group that I was really a part of, ‘Something here is real.’” Fr. Penkalski’s father said he’s so it was just hanging out with a Fast forward a couple of years seen a real change in his son. few families and trying to be as and he was back serving at the “He’s miles ahead of people 20 social as I could. The parish was altar at Good Shepherd. years older than he is,” Ron kind of my experience of like a It was his senior year in high Penkalsi said. faith community in a way.” school and he’d just submitted “He is very father-like but in a The road to the priesthood, his application to Arizona State larger, broader role. He’s got Fr. Penkalski said, has been “a University. smarts and he’s tenacious. He beautiful experience of childlike “A woman comes to me out of doesn’t give up.” faith, walking along with the Lord nowhere, one of the parishioners As a priest, Fr. Penkalski said and trying as best as one could to there, and gives me a 3-inch he will treasure saying the Mass be as open and obedient to the Benedictine crucifix,” Fr. and hearing confessions. call as you can. Penkalski said. She told him, “I “I want to be an image of the “It was a strange kind of think God has something special merciful father and of the Divine awakening but it was always for you.” Physician in confession and then something that was there.” Those words made him I want to really, really explain and He stopped altar-serving in question his entire existence, he live out the beauty of the Mass.” junior high but began again as a said. freshman in high school. He went to his pastor soon Fr. Kevin Penkalski processes into St. Juan Diego Church. “It was kind of a funny thing,” after and told him he thought he said, reminiscing about the God might be calling him to the Getting to Know winding path that led to prayer,” Fr. Penkalski recalled. meaningful transition. A girl who priesthood. He began meeting Fr. Kevin would later become a girlfriend with Fr. Paul Sullivan, director of the foot of the altar for Fr “So they gently pulled me Penkalski .Kevin Penkalski began in aside like, ‘Kevin, we know you’re moved to Colorado and invited vocations for the Phoenix A him to take her place on the Diocese. New River, Arizona, just outside trying to do the right thing, but Age when he first felt called of Anthem, where he attended that’s only a priest thing to do, altar-server schedule. “So I Not long after, Fr. Penkalski walked back in and fell back in was invited by a friend to attend to the priesthood: 10-ish public schools until entering OK?’” love with it,” Fr. Penkalski said. an evening of adoration. seminary. Little did they realize that one Sports: No His vocation story, he said, is day not so far in the future, their The two dated during their senior The deacon who was presiding “kind of a weird jumble of stuff” son would indeed intone the year when the girl returned to invited those in attendance to Professional sports team that step by step led ever more priest’s part of the Mass. Arizona, but it wasn’t meant to come forward to the altar and faves: None certainly toward priesthood. A year later, the idea of be. worship the Lord if they felt As a young boy, Fr. Penkalski’s priesthood resurfaced. At this point in the story, Fr. called. Hobbies: Billiards, reading family was active in St. Philip “My best friend and I were Penkalski notes that from sixth Fr. Penkalski got up, went th Siblings: Two older brothers Benizi, a mission church in Black walking side by side in line and grade through 10 grade, he front and center and knelt before
Canyon City. His mother taught we both had a crush on this one didn’t go to confession. Slowly the Blessed Sacrament. but surely, he said, his faith “All of a sudden, there was Hometown/birthplace: religious education, his father girl. I leaned over and said, ‘You Ridgewood/Hawthorne, New served both as a Vincentian and can go for it because I’m going to began to dwindle. Around eighth this desire in my heart to grade, he’d tried to confess his prostrate myself, to actually lay Jersey and New River, Arizona lector, and his brother was an be a priest.’ And then I just went sins to God directly. “It didn’t down in front of the Eucharist. altar server. on with my day.” Favorite subject in semi- “That community up there Lots of fourth-graders dream really work,” he said. He was still So I did, and the minute my nose nary: Mariology was a very small community, so of becoming National Football struggling with one sin in touched the floor, it was whenever we would do Vacation League players or firefighters, but particular. “I just couldn’t take it uncontrollable sobbing. Saint who inspires him the Bible School or something like boyhood dreams seldom become anymore. “It’s not like the manly most: St. Therese of Lisieux that, I was involved in it,” reality. “So I gathered up all the sobbing that you’re proud of—it’s Fr. Penkalski said. In Fr. Penkalski’s case, they courage I could as a 16-year-old, the ugly, snot-everywhere kind of Scripture verse he lives by: “[...] and lo, a voice from During third grade, did. His childhood friend recently walked into the confessional and cry that’s going on … the heaven, saying, ‘This is my be- Fr. Penkalski began serving told him that he’d finally gone knelt down,” Fr. Penkalski said. teenagers that came up with me, After making his confession, the they are all not knowing what the loved Son, with whom I am alongside his brother at the altar. and done what he said he would well pleased.’” - Matt 3:17 It was around then that the seeds all those years ago: become a priest told him, “My son, heck is going on. Neither did I, welcome back home.” but just got up and through of priesthood were planted in his priest. (His friend’s would-be Languages spoken: English He left the confessional, he tear-stained glasses, I looked at brain. romance remained the stuff of and Spanish He vividly remembers the first childhood legend.) said, beaming from ear to ear. the Eucharist and finally realized Mass he served. “My parents A few years later, the family “I left with tears in my eyes that our Lord is present there.” Instruments played: Piano were watching over me like a transferred to Mission of the and served the first Mass in the After a year at ASU, he (kinda) and singing hawk. And then they look over Good Shepherd in New River state of grace that I had done for entered the Pontifical College and see me actually start singing where they again became the first time in four years. I Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. Favorite flavor ice cream: with the priest the Great immersed in the life of the received in the state of grace for He completed his seminary Chocolate Doxology at the Eucharistic Church. the first time in four years, and it studies at St. John Vianney in ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 11 Fr. Estevan Wetzel Altar serving, youth group experience spark vocation philosophy studies there, he felt earth. “He started to reconcile Emilio, his brother, called Fr. a strong desire to visit the with different family members Wetzel a natural-born leader. Basilica of Our Lady of and he even said ‘I want this “He has always been one of Guadalupe in Mexico City. The song to play at my funeral.’” the most empathetic, church contains the tilma of St. A bystander at the scene of kind-hearted, understanding and Juan Diego with the miraculous the accident stayed with Jason generous people,” Emilio said. image of the Blessed Virgin and later told the family there “He gives all that he can to those Mary. was a peaceful presence there in need, and has consistently While visiting Mexico, Fr. around Jason. Family was called made sacrifices in his life to Wetzel and a fellow seminarian to his hospital bedside where benefit others.” came across the church where they prayed the Rosary and a the body of Blessed Miguel Pro is priest gave Jason apostolic entombed. The Mexican priest pardon. Amazingly, and no doubt was martyred by the Mexican providentially, all of this had Getting to Know government in 1927. As he stood taken place simultaneously with Fr. Estevan Wetzel before the firing squad, he Fr. Wetzel’s prayer time in the shouted “Viva Cristo Rey — Long chapel in Denver while he was Age when he first felt called live Christ the King!” experiencing a sense of to the priesthood: 12, but in “I had the sense that he foreboding. a vague sense. wanted to be my patron,” Fr. At Jason’s burial, Fr. Wetzel Wetzel said of the encounter. said the Lord told him that Sports? I dislocated my knee When he began studies at St. although it was tragic, his four times trying to play sports Bishop Olmsted lays hands on Fr. Estevan Wetzel; below, Fr. Wetzel at age 5 John Vianney in Denver, brother’s peaceful death was the freshmen year of high school. with his late father. Colorado, he noticed that there fruit of many years of the But I do like basketball. was a stained-glass window of family’s prayers for him. “In the r. Estevan Wetzel grew up Blessed Miguel Pro in the future, you’re not going to know Professional sports teams in a large family in seminary’s chapel. the fruits of your prayers, but I faves: Local teams, Phoenix Phoenix’s Sunnyslope area, F As his first year in Denver need you to remember this Suns, Cardinals attending Most Holy Trinity progressed, Fr. Wetzel said he got moment so that you will Catholic School. When he was in continue to pray,” Fr. Wetzel said Hobbies: I enjoy hanging out third grade, the bishop visited the sense that he should pray for his family but “really pray for my he was told. with my friends, cooking, the parish and celebrated Mass, backgammon and reading. older brother Jason who was in In the days leading up to his leaving quite an impression on ordination to the priesthood, Fr. the future priest. and out of prison and just had Wetzel said he was pondering the Siblings: Two half older “I saw the incense and I difficulties in life.” significance of surrender to God. brothers, a younger sister, wanted to be an altar server,” Fr. He prayed multiple novenas “The Lord is telling us He is going younger brother, adopted Wetzel said. “It seemed cool. That for Jason, begging God to to take care of all the particular younger brother and foster was the initial curiosity of intervene in his life. “I remember details, that we have to stop younger brother something church-related, but I coming to a point where I said, trying so hard and turn to Him. couldn’t be an altar server until ‘Lord, Jason is going to go back Not just, ‘I get it.’ It has to be Hometown/birthplace: sixth grade.” to prison unless you help him. I fleshed out in your daily living.” Phoenix, AZ Once he started altar-serving, commitment. “I was scared and I need You to help him.’” Fr. Wetzel said he’s excited to parishioners took notice. “They couldn’t visit the seminary senior November 23, 2014 found Fr. begin a new chapter in life as a Previous profession: I en- would say, ‘Hey, you’d make a year. I was also insecure.” Wetzel praying in the chapel. It Catholic priest. Friends and tered seminary after high good priest.’ I didn’t really know Although he desired to was the feast day of Blessed family joined forces to purchase school, but did do a stint at the what to do with that. It just continue his Catholic education Miguel Pro and that year, it his chalice and vestments for his state fair for a couple seasons seemed like my hobby — I was at Franciscan University of coincided with the feast of Christ first Mass which he said he and helped my dad DJ overweight and Most Holy Steubenville or Catholic the King. He said he was happy, would offer for all his ancestors Trinity didn’t have many University of America, he didn’t celebrating the two feasts, but and his four grandparents. His favorite subject in semi- extra-curricular activities.” have the money to fund his then had a premonition. Although a priest’s first Mass nary: Church history He played a little basketball studies. “I didn’t know what it was, is usually a bit longer, with and football but it just wasn’t That’s when he attended his but I felt something was wrong. chanting and numerous Saint who inspires him the clicking like serving the Mass. fourth discernment retreat. “And So I handed it over to the Lord,” concelebrants, due to the most: St. Therese and Miguel “Altar-serving became my thing it was there that Fr. Will Schmidt Fr. Wetzel said of the experience. pandemic, the simplified liturgy Pro to do,” Fr. Wetzel said. He was talking about what it was The next morning, he awoke to was slated to last just 40 continued that service all the way like to be in seminary and how to see multiple missed phone calls minutes. The removal of Languages spoken: Spanish, through his ordination to the apply,” Fr. Wetzel said. “I went as well as numerous text non-essentials, Fr. Wetzel said, English transitional diaconate. home and prayed about it and messages from his family on his would help him to focus. During his high school years, just feel the peace, joy and cell phone. Tragically, Jason had “Holding that host in that Instruments played: none his faith continued to grow and excitement about applying to been hit by a car and lay dying. kind of poverty and also he joined the parish youth group. seminary.” Fr. Wetzel boarded a plane for remembering the poverty of the Favorite flavor ice cream: In his senior year, he said, “there Following his graduation Phoenix. situation of how we’re living Rocky Road was an opening up of the from St. Mary’s High School, he During funeral preparations, right now, that is something I’m spiritual life. I started toying entered the Pontifical College Fr. Wetzel said he learned God looking forward to,” Fr. Wetzel with the idea of being a priest.” Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio. seemed to have been preparing said. Still, he didn’t want to make a As he was finishing his Jason for the end of his life on ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 12 Cerca de Casa
por P. Paul Sullivan Director de Vocaciones, Nazareth House Diócesis de Phoenix
A lo largo de los años, he viajado a muchas diócesis distintas en los EE.UU. y alrededor del mundo. Mis experiencias y observaciones me han llevado a entender algo importante: Phoenix es singular. Es más que terreno desértico y clima árido. Los católicos aquí provienen de una amplia gama de orígenes culturales, económicos y sociales. La Iglesia local debe estar lista para acoger esta maravillosa diversidad para cumplir las necesidades de todos los miembros de nuestra comunidad de fieles.
“...vuelven a Phoenix Al mirar al futuro de la Diócesis de Phoenix, una de nuestras prioridades fundamentales es la después de su ordenación importante labor de preparar a hombres jóvenes para convertirse en sacerdotes. En el pasado, para poder servir en la comunidad donde esto significaba enviarlos a seminarios en otras partes del país a discernir si tenían la vocación iniciaron su trayectoria del sacerdocio. Hoy, gracias a la generosidad de la comunidad, esto implica enviarlos a Nazareth al sacerdocio. ” House en Phoenix para que puedan hacerlo mientras viven y estudian dentro de la comunidad donde servirán.
La Diócesis de Phoenix estrenó Nazareth House en el 2019 en el sitio del antiguo convento de St. Gregory. Puede acomodar hasta 15 seminaristas que comparten comidas, las responsabilidades de los quehaceres y su fe en Jesucristo, mientras cumplen dos años de estudios académicos iniciales en Phoenix College. Nazareth House ofrece a los seminaristas un modelo de hogar para su formación, lo que los prepara para luego pasar a completar su educación en un seminario principal. Posteriormente, vuelven a Phoenix después de su ordenación para poder servir en la comunidad donde iniciaron su trayectoria al sacerdocio.
Durante la primavera pasada, Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes patrocinó un viaje misionero a Honduras para Nazareth House. Los seminaristas tuvieron la oportunidad de continuar su discernimiento al estar de viaje, sirviendo en parroquias pobres, haciendo visitas a domicilio, ofreciendo sacramentos e impartiendo clases de catecismo.
Les invito a que se unan conmigo en rezar por nuestros seminaristas de Nazareth House conforme crecen en su humanidad, espiritualidad y sus estudios, al prepararse para una vida de servicio a los demás en Cristo.
Dios los bendiga.
2033 N. 48th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008 602.267.3962 A Ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix espanol.dopccfh.org ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 13 Close to Home
by Fr. Paul Sullivan Director of Vocations, Nazareth House Diocese of Phoenix
Over the years, I’ve traveled to many different dioceses in the U.S. and around the world. My observations and experiences have led me to understand something important: Phoenix is unique. It’s more than just the desert terrain and the arid climate. Catholics here come from a wide range of cultural, economic and social backgrounds. The local Church must be prepared to embrace this wonderful diversity so we can meet the needs of all members of our faith community.
“...they return to Phoenix As we look to the future of the Diocese of Phoenix, the important work of preparing young when they are ordained men to become priests is one of our most critical priorities. In the past, this meant sending so they can serve in the seminarians away to another part of the country so they could discern if priesthood was their community where they calling. Today, thanks to the generosity of the community, it means sending them to Nazareth began their journey to the priesthood. ” House in Phoenix so they can do this while living and studying within the community where they will serve.
The Diocese of Phoenix opened Nazareth House in 2019 on the site of the former St. Gregory’s convent. It can house up to 15 seminarians who share meals, household responsibilities and faith in Jesus Christ while completing two years of initial academic studies at Phoenix College. Nazareth House offers seminarians a household model of formation, which prepares them to transition to a major seminary to complete their education. Afterwards, they return to Phoenix when they are ordained so they can serve in the community where they began their journey to the priesthood.
Last spring, Catholic Cemeteries and Funeral Homes sponsored a Nazareth House mission trip to Honduras. The seminarians had the opportunity to continue their discernment on the road by serving in poor parishes, making house visits, offering sacraments and teaching catechesis classes.
I invite you to join me in prayer for our Nazareth House seminarians as they grow in their humanity, spirituality and academics while preparing for a lifetime of serving others in Christ.
God Bless.
2033 N. 48th Street Phoenix, AZ 85008 602.267.3962 A Ministry of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Phoenix dopccfh.org ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 14 Fr. Nathaniel Glenn Catechesis of Good Shepherd lays foundation for priestly vocation
“I know within myself how forming you as a man for others, hard it is to be good and I know forming you as a man of faith, how hard it is to be faithful and train you how to sacrifice and to love God and to love the truly love others.” people that God has placed In the days leading up to his around me. ordination to the priesthood, Fr. “I’m often very moved when I Glenn’s older brother Andrew, meet just really good and faithful himself a father of two young Catholics who put me to shame, children, said the family was who really challenge me,” Fr. looking forward to the big mo- Glenn said. “The life of holiness ment. and a life of goodness is really “We’ve been joking about it possible—and it’s really possible for a long time,” Andrew said. because I see people around me “Are you going to be Fr. Uncle Na- doing it.” thaniel or Uncle Fr. Nathaniel? He said being in Rome pro- Our family is super-excited.” vided a sense of rootedness that Fr. Nathaniel Glenn takes part in the Eucharistic Prayer during the Ordination Mass. isn’t necessarily apparent in r. Nathaniel Glenn grew up tion program for young children. cal College Josephinum after Phoenix. Getting to Know in Ahwatukee, one of three The program was held at St. graduating from St. Mary’s High “In Rome you can walk down Fr. Nathaniel Glenn Fbrothers, and attended Benedict Parish where Fr. Glenn’s School, then studied three years the street and enter a church that public school for his first eight mother was a catechist. at Catholic University of America has the relics of a martyr who years of education. The three brothers were active in Washington, D.C., where he might have been killed by Diocle- Age when he first felt “By the time high school was at the parish, altar-serving and earned a bachelor’s degree and li- tian in the 300s. Or you can go called to the priesthood: rolling around, I knew I wanted participating in Vacation Bible cense in philosophy. After that, it and visit the tomb of St. Cathe- From my youngest memories. to discern priesthood more se- School, eventually helping to put was off to Rome for four years of rine of Sienna,” Fr. Glenn said. Intentionally since 11. riously so I wanted to go to a on the camp themselves. Fr. theology. “There is such a sense of being Sports: Not really. I love to Catholic high school to have more Glenn said he began altar-serving He and his classmate Fr. Ga- rooted in our Catholic tradition jog. of a Catholic environment,” he in fifth grade and was trained by briel Terrill were in the midst of that is really grounded as you’re said. His two brothers, one older then-college student Fr. Kurt Per- studies in the Eternal City when preparing for priesthood. So that Professional sports team and one younger, attended De- era. “I’ve been altar serving ever they were called home to the was really big for me, experienc- faves: ASU football, Man- sert Vista High instead. since fifth grade.” Phoenix Diocese in March due to ing that and being able to really chester City, any Phoenix Andrew, the first born, is At St. Mary’s High School, Fr. the coronavirus pandemic. The put our experience of the Church teams quick to say Nathaniel’s priestly Glenn came under the influence two were set to complete classes in context.” Hobbies: Reading litera- vocation cropped up early in life. of two priests who helped guide and exams online June 1, a mere As a new priest, he said he’s ture, roasting coffee, Mario “We’ve kind of always known him in his vocation: Fr. Paul Sulli- five days before their ordination. especially looking forward to of- Kart, travel growing up with him,” Andrew van and Fr. Robert Bolding. So how did he know he was fering the sacraments and Siblings: Two brothers, said. “It’s been the thing that he’s “When I was discerning my called to be a priest? preaching. “I love preaching be- always talked about.” senior year and preparing to “The biggest sign for me was a cause it’s like thinking our faith I’m the middle In first grade, when the class enter seminary, I would meet sense of fulfillment when I was out loud. It’s everything that Favorite subject in semi- had a future career day, Fr. Glenn with Fr. Bolding a lot before active at my church,” Fr. Glenn you’ve been praying about, every- nary: Philosophy, especially was asked what he would be school,” Fr. Glenn said. “He said. From altar-serving to being thing that you’ve learned from Ethics when he grew up. taught me how to pray the bre- a lector and active in the youth family and friends and the world Saint who inspires him “He went and said, ‘I’m going viary so I would pray Morning group or helping out at St. around you and then meditating the most: St. John Henry to be a priest,’” Andrew recalled. Prayer and Evening Prayer. We Mary’s, he discovered something: on the Scriptures,” Fr. Glenn said. Newman “Even at 6 or 7, he was set, that would sit and talk about discern- He loved being at church. The To those who wonder if God Scripture verse he lives was going to be the thing he ment and just various stuff. He family’s home parish is Corpus is calling them to the priesthood by: “See what love the Father wanted to do. It was just kind of a was a huge help in my high Christi. and are unsure how to proceed, normal thing when we were school years.” “I just found a great amount Fr. Glenn offered words of en- has given us, that we should be growing up.” Happily, two of his other St. of fulfillment there and a desire couragement. called children of God; and so “My brothers and I are cradle Mary’s High School classmates to continue on in that,” Fr. Glenn “I would say time spent in we are.” 1 John 3:1 Catholics and we were all raised felt a similar call to the priest- said. He said it occurred to him seminary is never time wasted,” Languages spoken: Catholic very intentionally,” Fr. hood. Fr. Estevan Wetzel was or- that “preaching homilies would Fr. Glenn said. Spanish, Italian, Latin Glenn said. dained at the same Mass of be pretty cool. Or, it would be “If you feel the call and you’re Instruments played: The Glenn brothers began ordination as Fr. Glenn; Jesus really neat to help people and to kind of on the fence, just try it Piano, clarinet, voice their religious education early; Martinez, who wasn’t discerning forgive people in the sacrament out. You’re going to leave the Favorite flavor ice Nathaniel was only 2 years old during high school, entered three of confession.” seminary a better man than you when he joined the atrium at Cat- years later and is still in forma- He said he’s inspired by entered no matter if you’re leav- cream: Butterfinger Blast echesis of the Good Shepherd, a tion. “people of deep goodness” who ing as a priest or not. hands-on, deeply spiritual forma- Fr. Glenn entered the Pontifi- are living out their Catholic faith. “Their focus in seminary is ENCOUNTER • JUNE 2020 • PAGE 15
Human life is sacred... Mary, Mother of Jesus, for every person, throw your mantle of purity at every moment. over our priests. Protect them, guide them, and keep them in your heart. Celebrating Be a Mother to them, especially in times Fr. Glenn of discouragement and loneliness. Fr. Penkalski Love them and keep them belonging completely to Jesus. Fr. Terrill
— From St. Teresa of Calcutta’s Prayer for Priests — Fr. Wetzel
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