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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father Roger Linnan

Birth date including year: March 27, 1936

Hometown: Pocahontas

Education: Pocahontas Catholic, University of Notre Dame, Loras College, Creighton University, St. Meinrad Seminary and Boston College

Ordination date: May 26, 1962

Current assignment: Pastor at St. Mary’s in Hawarden; Weekend Masses at Christ the King in Sioux Center and St. Mary’s in Rock Valley.

Hobbies/interests: I golf and bicycle. I do RAGBRAI. I am a fan of Notre Dame, Heelan and West Sioux (Hawarden) sports.

Describe your call to priesthood. A priest said to me, “You should be a priest.” I said, “I don’t want to be a priest.” He said, “It’s not what you want, it’s what God wants and if you don’t do what God wants, you will never be happy.” Turned my world upside down. Forced me to give consideration to what God wanted.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to the priesthood? Prayerful family, Franciscan sisters and the priests in my hometown. The assistants at Sacred Heart, Pocy were head of Little League, ran the town ice skating pond, supervised the Rec Center for all kids not just Catholics. Catholic priests were highly respected. All my coaches until 11th grade were priests.

Was it a difficult decision to make? When I entered the seminary I told the rector and spiritual director that I probably was not called to be a priest. So if they saw signs I didn’t have a vocation, let me know right away. They never told me to leave and I began to like the studies, the spirituality and my classmates who have become life-long friends.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? Preaching, teaching and celebrating sacraments.
Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? I try to say the rosary during my morning walk, then my version of centering prayer, morning prayer and Mass preparation. Lots of distractions. Gotten worse as I have gotten older. Trust God gives us credit for trying.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? It is a privilege to be close to people at important moments in their lives. I know there is evil in the world but I’m impressed by so many people’s goodness and holiness. Couples, families, seniors and single parents so committed to God’s way…they bring God’s presence and love to me. This includes so many really good priests.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? If God is calling you, you don’t have anything to be afraid of.