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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father William McCarthy

Born: July 26, 1958

Hometown: Hawarden, Iowa

Education: West Sioux High School; South Dakota State University Bachelors of Science in Agricultural
Education; Masters of Catholic Thought and Philosophy 2001 St. Meinrad School of Theology; 2003 Masters of Divinity St. Meinrad School of Theology; 2007 IPF Spirituality Degree.
Ordination Date: May 31, 2003

Current Assignment: St. Mary, Remsen, St. Catherine, Oyens.

Interests: Before I entered into formation I was a crop and livestock farmer, I still follow farming closely. I enjoy watching sports activities and golfing.

Describe your call to priesthood. My call to the priesthood reflects God’s patience as I graduated from college and farmed for 17 years before accepting the challenge to become a priest. God’s grace and the support of my family allowed me to be successful.

Did anyone or anything inspire you to follow the call to priesthood? A life-long inspiration for me would be my uncle - my mother’s brother who is a priest for the Diocese of Sioux Falls. I also can point to great-uncles on both my mother and father’s sides who served as diocesan priests. I would also include the very gifted priest who served St. Mary’s in Hawarden and Sister Martha Glaser who was truly a humble servant of the Lord.

What do you enjoy most about the priesthood? What I enjoy most about the priesthood is that there are never two days that are the same. I used to demand structure in my day to function, but now I accept whatever shows up on the screen to speak and try and deal with it as a disciple should. Facing challenges is never easy but because it is the work of the Lord there is an abundance of grace and consolation.

Near to my heart are Marian, Sacred Heart and Divine Mercy devotions.
Priesthood a worthy vocation? There is nothing else in this world that can compare with how a priest can effect and change the lives of others. A priest is a human instrument that God uses to heal and strengthen others in a divine way. I at time can distinguish how God works through me for the good of another and it is almost breathtaking at times.

What would you say to a man considering the priesthood? To those who are being called to give their lives and serve God as a priest - God will supply the wisdom, knowledge and grace, your task is to surrender and pray “Let it be done to me as you will.”