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 Dan Guenther

Birth Date: October 19, 1954

Hometown: Sioux City

Education: B.A. in English from Loras College in 1977; B.A. in History from Loras College in 1977; Secondary Education Certification from Loras College in 1977; M.A. in Systematic Theology from St. Paul Seminary in 1982; M.A. in Christian Spirituality from Creighton University in 2005.

Ordination Date: May 29, 1982

Current Assignment: Pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in Sioux City

Hobbies/Interests: Travel, time with friends and relaxing at the lake.

Describe your call to the Priesthood: I was not in seminary until after college years. I think the invitation from priests and friends to get active in the church especially during my college years most challenged me to consider priesthood. There was a stirring in my heart that I had to respond to.

Did anyone or anything provide you with the inspiration to follow the call to Priesthood? I would say it was mostly the priests I met during my college years and getting to know them as a friend that inspired me to consider priesthood. Getting involved in retreat work and campus ministry also helped, along with the support of family and friends at this time.

Was it a difficult decision to make? I thought about it a long time before I found the courage to share it with family and friends. I was afraid of being laughed at and not taken seriously. The response from family and friends was totally the opposite. They were extremely supportive.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? Helping others as well as myself grow closer to the Lord through the sacraments, church participation, prayer and worship. From my years of teaching Peace & Justice classes, I especially enjoy seeing the “little ones” of life getting ahead. I very much enjoy my present parish as I feel there’s a good match between them and me.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? I’ve tried different forms of prayer over the years, and I’m probably most comfortable with contemplative and centering prayer.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? I find it worthy for me because it fits me. I think I’m gifted with many of the skills and talents needed for priesthood and pastoring.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? I’ve shared this often when I was Vocation Director for the diocese for eight years. I would simply tell them to visit with a trusted priest friend if they have any stirrings about priesthood in their heart. I would encourage them to get active in church ministry and see how this “fits” them. Listen to the Lord’s voice within their own heart and listen to the voices of close friends and family around them on this topic. Trust and don’t be afraid to further discern this.