THE GLOBE
PO BOX 5079 (51102)
1825 JACKSON ST.
SIOUX CITY, IA (51105)
712.255.2550
800.352.9035
WWW.CATHOLICGLOBE.ORG

Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father Cecil H. Friedmann

Birth date including year: Nov. 21, 1925

Hometown: Alton

Education: St. Mary’s High School, Alton; Trinity College, Sioux City; St. Mary’s Seminary, Baltimore, Md.;
Iowa State University, Ames; Creighton University, Omaha (M.A. in education and American history)

Ordination date: June 3, 1950

Current assignment: Retired

Hobbies/interests: Travel, history, current events, music and high school sporting events.

Describe your call to priesthood. It was not exactly easy to decide. First thoughts occurred in grade school with further consideration in high school, followed by deeper reflections in college and seminary years. Catholic education had a very definite influence.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to the priesthood? As with anyone’s call to the priesthood, the support of family was vital. In addition encouragement from assistant pastors and Franciscan sisters in school had definite effects. The guidance of the Sulpician Fathers in seminary added “finishing touches” to my decision process.

Was it a difficult decision to make? Yes and no. It took time. Pondering over a number of years was part of the decision process, with a final decision not being made until the final years of seminary.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? My major ministry over the years was in Catholic education. I had the privilege and enjoyment of working with many fin priests, religious and lay teachers. But over-riding all of this was the role of priesthood which emphasizes the Eucharist.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? Besides offering daily liturgy, the reading of the Divine Office is special. Just think of the thousands who read this office daily as you are joined with them in this special prayer. In addition, there are other daily prayers, especially the rosary.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? The priesthood is a vocation by which you reach out to others. Our world and society is plagued with endless problems – many situations not even thought about when I was ordained. Priests can be a support for people who face problems personally, in their family life and or wherever they may be. Over the years, I found that people, especially young people, face uncertain futures, and thus prayers, friendships and support are vital. If a person really wants to be helpful to others, the priesthood is certainly a worthy vocation. Also, remember that Jesus said: “What you do for the least of my brethren, you did unto me.” Thus helping others is reaching out to the Lord himself.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? Do not be afraid. Do not expect quick decisions. Be patient. Remember that there is no substitute for prayer to God to know his will for you. Seek advice from a priest or the diocesan vocation director. Visit with seminarians and recently ordained priests to learn their experience and decision process.