The shortage of priests we are living through right now has had many effects on the Church and in our lives. Some are obvious, like the sharing of Pastors between parishes and changing Mass schedules. Others are unseen, but perhaps even more difficult. One of those effects I live with is the increasing isolation of parish life due to living on my own. Moving in at St. James marked the first time in my life I lived by myself, and the difference is palpable. We are made for communion, and isolation is dangerous, even for priests. This is the first age in many years, perhaps ever, when priests are more often than not living and working on their own.

But I received amazing news this week as the new assignments came out. Two of my classmates have been named pastors of nearby parishes, and they will be living with me at St. James. I include for you here some information on them, and ask that you keep our little community in your prayers as we strive to build one another up to become better priests, and hopefully, one day, saints.
 
Prayer always,
Father Alex McCullough
 

Father Matt Feist

I joined Immaculate Heart of Mary when I became the youth minister there.
Education: Amelia Elementary K-5, STM School 6-8, Glen Este High School 1996-2000, UC Clermont for a year and a half, Franciscan University of Steubenville 2002-2005, major was computer information science. Fr. Feist is going to St. Savior and St. John in Deer Park.
 
What advice would you offer aboutdiscerning a vocation?
Prayer. Stay close to our Blessed Mother. Stay close to her Son through Mass and adoration. Find people that are also discerning and have regular meetings and hang outs to build each other up.

Father Eric Roush

Home parish: St. Monica-St. George, Clifton. Internship Parish: St. Margaret of York, Loveland.
 
Education includes: master of divinity, Mount St. Mary Seminary of the West; master of biblical studies, Athenaeum of Ohio; master of education, Xavier University, secondary education, social studies; master of arts, Xavier University, theology; bachelor of arts, Miami University, Oxford, history, political science. Fr. Roush is going to Holy Trinity in Norwood.
 
What message would you offer to those who want to serve God but do now know how? 
Step 1: Look up the spiritual and corporal works of mercy. Step 2: Pick one that resonates with you. Step 3: Think about the people in your life that need to receive this gift of mercy. Step 4: Ask the Lord in prayer for the grace to be an
ambassador of His mercy. Step 5: Give the
gift of mercy.
 
Courtesy of  The Catholic Telegraph