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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father Robert J. Schimmer

Birth date: October 3, 1941

Hometown: Danbury, Iowa

Education: Danbury Catholic Grade & High School; Loras College—BA Psychology,
1964; Mount Saint Bernard Seminary 1964 - 68; Creighton University—
MSEdu. in Education Administration, 1967; Aquinas Institute of Theology—
MA in Theology, 1968.

Ordination Date: June 1, 1968

Current Assignment: Pastor, St. Patrick Church in Sheldon.

Hobbies/Interests: Science, History, Movies, Reading

Describe your call to priesthood: My parents provided me with a Catholic education
which put an emphasis on vocations. The support of my family was very
important to me. Serving daily Mass and being part of the liturgies really got
me interested in the priesthood. Working for the parish allowed me to see
firsthand a lot of the work done by the priests as well as giving me the
chance to meet many priests through the years.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to priesthood?
Msgr. Richard Sweeney and Fr. J. Charles Yetmar were big influences for
me as well as having priests and sisters teaching in high school.

Was it a difficult decision to make? I became really interested in high school, especially
as I got to know more priests. There were challenges along the way that
made it somewhat of a difficult decision to make.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? Celebrating the Mass and Sacraments
for the people, especially at times of difficulty in their lives. Preaching is a
very important part of the priesthood for me -- helping the people understand
the Scriptures and helping them apply it to their daily lives. Being part of the
RCIA program is also very important part of my life as a priest.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that a dear to your heart? Celebrating
the Mass and the Divine Office.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? It provides so many various ways
serve the people. I have had opportunities to serve as a pastor, high school
administrator and teacher and counselor, and hospital chaplain.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood?
Don’t be afraid to find out if the priesthood is the calling you are to follow –
remembering that it isn’t a job but a whole way of life that is asking for your
commitment. Talk to a priest you trust and be willing to let God show you the
path to follow.