Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

This June 29, the feast of Sts. Peter and Paul, Pope Benedict XVI will celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of his ordination as a priest. I ask all in our diocese to join in praying for our Holy Father’s good health and grace as he continues to serve as the vicar of Christ among us.

On June 4, two priests were ordained for our diocese, Fathers Matthew Crane and John Knopik. What a joy for me to ordain these priests and also seven deacons this year. I would like to share with you this year’s homily for the ordination of the priests:

Homily for the Ordination of Presbyters
Matthew Crane and John Knopik

The Risen Jesus spoke to Peter. “Do you love me...?” It is an important question for the one who is to be the vicar of Christ in the church. What type of authority would Peter have as shepherd? Some scholars have said that Jesus first questioned Peter’s love because Peter’s task as shepherd would have to be exercised in love for the flock.  

The Risen Jesus was leaving Peter to the church as a vicar of his love.    Jesus entrusts those whom he loves to one who loves him (Cfr. “The Gospel of St. John,” II, p. 1114-15). Yes, Jesus entrusts those whom he loves to one who loves him.

Beloved brothers and sisters, today your relatives and friends, Matthew and John, are to be advanced to the Order of Priests. It is important for us to consider the place to which they are called in the church.

While it is true that God has made his entire people a royal priesthood in Christ, nonetheless, Jesus chose certain disciples to carry out publicly in his name a priestly office for the church. As Jesus was sent by the Father, he in turn sent the Apostles into the world, so that they and their successors, the bishops, would continue to exercise his mission and office of teacher, priest and shepherd. Priests are co-workers with the Order of Bishops; they are joined with them intimately in the priestly office and with them they are called to the service of God’s people.

After much prayer and preparation, first at home within their families, then in seminary formation and deliberation by many over several years, these our brothers are now to be ordained in the Order of the Presbyterate, in order to serve Christ and his body, the church. As ministers of word and sacrament, they are to be shepherds of the flock. “Jesus entrusts those whom he loves to those who love him.”

My sons, Matthew and John, I have thought much about what to say to you new priests in these days, especially after all these years I have had as priest and bishop. Be sure to love the people to whom you are assigned and serve; your love for them will make all the difference in the world, both for them and for you.  

Continue to be men of daily and long prayer; it will grow tempting after a time to shave off your prayer time in order to “get more done” but your hours with God are far more important, even if they seem dry; prayer time with God will lighten your daily burden and give you strength.  

Be compassionate and understanding with your people, for their lives are far from easy. Show special compassion for them in the sacrament of penance. Celebrate the liturgy, the Eucharist and the sacraments with special care, devotion and reverence. Never be sloppy or casual about the liturgy. Prepare to preach the word of God carefully and preach with joy in your heart.   

When changes come in the liturgy during your lifetime, embrace them, prepare for them carefully and help your people be ready for them. It is always a privilege to preside for God’s people in the prayer of the church.  
Be sure to take good care of your own body, mind and soul; your sound health will assist you in your daily ministry to your people. It will also affirm your witness of celibacy and prevent you from ever becoming just a grumpy old bachelor!  

Take your allotted time away, for your people do deserve to be without you for a while. The Holy Spirit will do just fine without you! Never say a negative word about brother priests; rather show them support, for they are your confreres in Christ. If needed, be willing and strong enough to give them brotherly correction. Always show respect to your bishop, even when you do not agree with him and be honest with him.

Finally, my sons, remember where you came from! When you gather new members into the people of God through baptism, and when you forgive sins in the name of Christ and the church in penance, when you comfort the sick with holy oil and celebrate the sacred rites, when you offer prayers of praise and thanks to God throughout the day, remember then that you have been taken from among the people of God and have been appointed on their behalf for the things that pertain to God.  

Carry out the ministry of Jesus Christ with constant joy, humbleness and genuine love. Keep the example of the Good Shepherd always before your eyes, Jesus, the model Shepherd, who came not to lord it over but to serve, who came always to seek out and save what was lost!  “Jesus entrusts those whom he loves to those who love him!”


May you have a blessed and relaxing summer.




+John F. Kinney
Bishop of St. Cloud