News

Two taking step to priesthood

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

	Brian Belongia Home Parish: St. Peter the Fisherman, Two Rivers High school: Washington High School, Two Rivers College: Silver Lake College, Manitowoc (BA English) Seminary: Mundelein Seminary, Theology III
	Carl Schmitt Home Parish: St. Peter the Fisherman, Two Rivers High school: Roncalli High School, Manitowoc College: St. Norbert College, De Pere (BA Business) Seminary: St. Meinrad Seminary, Theology III

"It's getting exciting," said Brian Belongia. "It's a point that I've been waiting for a long time."

"I'm ready to see the work I've done for the last 4 ½ years come to fruition," said Carl Schmitt.

Belongia and Schmitt will be ordained deacons by Bp. David Zubik at 10 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 18 at St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay. Ordination to the transitional diaconate is among the final steps to priesthood. Both seminarians are scheduled to be ordained priests in May of 2005.

Schmitt, the son of James and Mary Ann Schmitt, will continue his studies at St. Meinrad School of Theology in Meinrad, Ind., and spend weekends serving as a deacon at a Meinrad area parish, possibly in Louisville, Ky. He looks forward to the practicum experience.

"We've seen a change in the last year, from theology studies to faith-based experiences," he said. "We will be practicing Masses and refining things. I spent last summer at Cathedral and St. John the Evangelist (parishes in Green Bay), which was a great experience. I was able to get back to the diocese, which I really love. I look forward to doing as much in the parish as I can. I find a real energy in the preparation."

Belongia, the son of Gerald and Ruth Belongia, will be serving as a deacon on weekends in the Diocese of Green Bay. He attends Mundelein Seminary in Chicago. Classes are held Tuesday through Thursday, allowing for travel to a parish on weekends.

"This has been a transitional year, easing out from seminary and into the priesthood," said Belongia. "We will do practical work in presiding. We also have chanting courses at Mundelein. I never grew up with it, but they really encourage it. Singing helps. It's more hands-on next quarter. The heavy theological studies are behind us."

Belongia also looks forward to further developing his preaching skills in preparation for the priesthood.

"During my pastoral internship, I enjoyed giving reflections," he said. "It's a bit scary. It takes practice. For me, every time I preach it's an experiment. I've found that if you say something that doesn't sound right to people, they will let you know in a nice way, which helps me."

Priesthood runs in Schmitt's family including his uncles, Frs. Leo, Henry and John Schmitt.

"I don't remember it, but Fr. Leo once told me that he talked to me about becoming a priest," said Schmitt. "It's an honor to be following in their footsteps."

"I seriously thought about the priesthood while sitting in church one Sunday," he added. "I put off telling my parents about it for awhile. I made several trips to talk to Fr. (Marty) Carr to discern the possibility. When I told my parents, my mom said she would forgive me for not telling her good news like this sooner, and my dad was really happy."

Belongia's ministry dates back to the fourth grade when he began serving at Mass.

"I continued and, after high school, I was invited to become even more involved in the church on councils," he said. "I've stayed involved."

"There have been so many people who have supported me in my vocation," he continued. "I'm thankful for the KCs, the Serrans who pray for us, family and friends, Silver Lake College, the people at St. Pius X Parish (Appleton). Fr. Bill O'Brien has supported me, and Fr. John Schmitt (who died last month) was instrumental in getting the ball rolling by suggesting the priesthood in positive and humorous ways."

Saturday marks the first transitional deacon ordinations in the diocese since 1997. Seminarians are often ordained to the transitional diaconate with their classmates at respective seminaries.

"I like the fact that they are doing it in the diocese," said Belongia. "I will be serving in this diocese, and it's a chance to share it with people who have supported me."

"I'm ready or at least I think I'm ready for Saturday," said Schmitt. "I don't think I would have been ready to be the type of priest needed today if I had attended seminary right out of high school. I worked in business, in foster care and in group homes, which pastorally were good experiences for me. I hope I'm bringing gifts to the priesthood."