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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father Don Ries

Birth date: Dec. 3, 1933

Hometown: Pocahontas, IA

Education: Sacred Heart H.S. Pocahontas, Loras College, Mt. St. Berbard Seminary, Dubuque, M.A. Creighton University

Ordination date: May 16, 1959

Current assignment: St. Joseph, Jefferson and St. Brigid, Grand Junction

Hobbies/interests: Reading, sports (especially golf), keeping up friendships

Describe your call to priesthood. About in the junior high years – the call to respond to God’s call which was for me an interest in being a priest.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to priesthood? The church was always important in our community and the priest was held in high esteem.

Was it a difficult decision to make? Yes, to give up marriage and family – but friendship of others in college and seminary life was very helpful.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? The wonderful variety of work that helps others and keeps oneself always striving for greater happiness and fulfillment.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? Spiritual reading that leads to contemplative reflection has always been a source of strength for me.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? It has brought me personal joy and has enabled me to be helpful in the lives of many wonderful people.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? Take the first step, and then see how your prayer and your discussion with trustworthy friends and spiritual mentors lead you.