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Rev. Michael BarryOrdained to the priesthood May 20, 2006 Born: 12–12–1945 Home Parish: St. Thomas, Crystal Lake, IL |
| I had a vague, youthful interest in the priesthood but in the 1960's my life course was set on politics, international relations and public service. The death of my father in 1970 was the event which brought me definitively back into the Church from which I earlier had strayed. My background and disposition prepared me perfectly for the diplomatic career I began in the U.S. State Department in 1971. Sunday Mass, volunteering as a lector and attending occasional retreats comprised my links to the Church. A providential assignment to Krakow, Poland (1988-91) deepened my Catholic identity, love for our great Holy Father and friendship with numerous Polish priests. My interests gradually shifted away from international relations and began to center on the Church and how I might serve her; several priests and bishops mentioned priesthood to me. After early retirement from the government, I studied theology and became active in jail and prison apostolates, as well as in the pro-life movement. In May 2000, a priest friend urged me to consider the priesthood, to begin regular spiritual direction, to deepen my prayer life and to discern more critically what is God's will for my life. This process eventually led me to contact Bishop Doran to ask whether he might consider an application from a late vocation. On the natural level, I am certain that, as a priest, the remaining years of my life could benefit the Church family. If ever ordained, I simply rely on God's gracious providence to determine more specifically what he wants of me. |
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©2008 Diocese of Rockford