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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father Richard Sebastian Ries

Birth date: March 7, 1937 (4:30 on a Sunday afternoon)

Hometown: Pocahontas

Education: Pocahontas Catholic School 1-12; Loras College B.A.

Ordination date: June 1, 1963

Current Assignment: St. Thomas Catholic Church, Manson; St. Francis Catholic Church, Rockwell City; St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Pomeroy; Catholic Chaplain at North Central Correctional Facility in Rockwell City.

Hobbies/interests: Hiking, biking, golfing, photography, reading, and traveling.

Describe your call to priesthood. In 7th grade a nun said, “You should be working with people.” What better place than the priesthood.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to priesthood? Having had the opportunity to attend elementary (grades 1-8), secondary (grades 9-12) and college at Catholic educational schools was a big factor. The teachers and priests in my parish were great examples. Maybe the main impetus was living in a house with 5 siblings, my folks, a grandparent and a single uncle, all of whom were great examples of faith and taught me things that could be classified as part of God’s Divine Plan.

Was it a difficult decision to make? Yes, at times there were a lot of distractions.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? People of all ages whether in jail or out! You encounter some great folks and a few real jerks…but we’re all God’s children…right?

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? The daily Rosary while walking; Prayers to the Holy Spirit, plus a number of the Psalms (especially No. 18 and 23). I feel connected to Fr. Damien, St. Thomas, St. Francis, and, of course, St. Sebastian.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? Remember every vocation is a calling from God and, therefore, worthy. The privilege to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass, plus being an integral part of the
other Sacraments says it all. I do feel though that marriage is one of the more difficult vocations. I admire their sacrifices.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? I have said to two current young men who are the finest, “You have great qualities. Pray about your vocation and let the Spirit lead you. Amen”