‘I give you shepherds after My Own Heart’ – Jeremiah 3:15

Priests reaching milestone anniversaries were honored at an April 9  Mass at St. Patrick Parish in Fremont.

The 10 men celebrating golden and silver jubilees (50- and 25-year ordination anniversaries) have given a combined 400 years of service to the Church. 

Commemorating 50-year anniversaries were Father Gerald Gonderinger, Father Michael Gutgsell, Father Gerald Leise, Father David Liewer, Father James Tiegs and Jesuit Father Gregory I. Carlson.

Commemorating silver jubilees of 25 years were Father William Bond, Father Damien Cook, Father Ryan Lewis and Benedictine Father Anastasius Reiser, prior of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler.

Commemorating ruby jubilees of 40 years were Father Frank Jindra, Father Gregory Benkowski and, in memoriam, Father Stephen Gutgsell.

Several other priests marked significant milestones: Msgr. Ralph Steffensmeier, 65 years; Father James Novotny, 60 years; Father Don Shane, 55 years; Father Michael Grewe, Father Daniel Kampschneider and Jesuit Father Andy Alexander, 45 years.

FATHER GERALD GONDERINGER – 50 YEARS

“My priesthood turned out much differently than what I planned or expected. It turned out much better. I had not ‘planned’ for teaching or Hispanic ministry and I have profoundly enjoyed both. God always has better plans! Being a founding pastor of a parish is a profound experience of grace.”

FATHER MICHAEL F. GUTGSELL – 50 YEARS

FATHER GERALD LEISE – 50 YEARS

“I would encourage newly-ordained priests to let compassion and mercy be the backbone of their ministry.”

FATHER DAVID LIEWER – 50 YEARS

“What a privilege it has been to celebrate Mass and all the sacraments, especially absolving people of their sins. It has meant bringing Christ to others and others to Christ.”

FATHER JAMES R. TIEGS – 50 YEARS

“What a privilege to be invited into people’s joys and heartaches, and to be there to acknowledge and celebrate the presence of God.”

JESUIT FATHER GREGORY I. CARLSON – 50 YEARS

“Being a priest has been a wonderful adventure of listening to the people of God. Being a teacher has invited me to walk with students through amazing stories from fables to Gospels.”

FATHER WILLIAM BOND – 25 YEARS

“The priesthood is a profound way to live out the Paschal Mystery of dying and rising with Christ in the midst of so many great people striving to know, love and serve the Lord. I am grateful to so many families for allowing me to share Christ’s ministry with them and to so many volunteers who inspire me as they give themselves to God and His people through their acts of service and love.”

FATHER DAMIEN J. COOK – 25 YEARS

“From my earliest years, I desired to be a priest. I did not comprehend the calling as a child and am still growing in understanding as an adult, but I cannot conceive of a life apart from priesthood: It is who I am! And, yet, who am I to receive such a gift? I am ever humbled that the Lord would entrust His most precious pearl, His people, into my care. Please pray for me, that I may love all of God’s children as He loves them.”

FATHER RYAN P. LEWIS – 25 YEARS

“Serving Christ’s Church as a priest of Jesus Himself is indeed both a gift and mystery. I, like all priests, are insufficient instruments to be sure, lowly and yet chosen by Christ Himself to be Christ for others. It is a marvel to behold and a great grace these 25 years serving the people of God in the Archdiocese of Omaha.”

BENEDICTINE FATHER ANASTASIUS REISER – 25 YEARS

“We Christians are called to bring the Good News into the world as missionaries. And as Missionary Benedictines of Christ the King Priory in Schuyler we are in a cultural exchange with people all over the world – especially in Africa – to get to know their culture and are impressed and fascinated by the culture of other people. Mission is not a one-way road, mission is exchange!” (from his We Are Missionaries: For a Better World retreat)