THE GLOBE
PO BOX 5079 (51102)
1825 JACKSON ST.
SIOUX CITY, IA (51105)
712.255.2550
800.352.9035
WWW.CATHOLICGLOBE.ORG

Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father Edmund Tiedeman

Birth date including year: April 27, 1939

Hometown: Fonda

Education: Our Lady of Good Counsel Grade School and High School, Fonda; B.A. from Loras College,
Dubuque (1962); Mount St. Bernard Seminary (1966); M.S. from Creighton University.
Ordination date: June 4, 1966

Current assignment: Assisting priests in and around the Diocese of Sioux City

Hobbies/interests: Watching high schools sports, trying to golf, fishing, woodworking, working around the ol’ Tiedeman Mansion and building wren houses and mo’de lawn.

Describe your call to priesthood. It happened in third grade. Sister Editha said, “If you continue this conduct, you will never be a priest.” Thanks to sister, she got me thinking. And there were many others through grade and high school who helped me to Holy Orders, especially my parents, grandparents, family and friends.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to the priesthood? See above…and priest friends like Father Howley, Father Dan Lynch, Father Walt Bruch, Father Jim Cain, Father Don Smith, Father Al McCoy, Father John Doherty and others.

Was it a difficult decision to make? It was a very difficult decision, especially when I understood that I would be responsible for the souls of the people I would serve as a priest and not just my own soul. That was heavy!

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? The privilege of offering the Sacrifice of the Mass, assisting people with the sacrament of reconciliation and celebrating the other sacraments. And being with all the thousands of people God has given to me to meet and share their lives.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? The Divine Office, the prayer that priests offer for their people and themselves.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? As unworthy as I am, it is a gift to serve Christ in his priesthood.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? Try it and you will love it!