News

Cathedral overflows for ordination of three to priesthood

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

	PREPARING FOR ORDINATION: Dave Duffeck, Quinn Mann and Walter Stumpf prostrate themselves before the altar as a sign of humility, vulnerability and reverence as Bp. David Zubik leads the priests, deacons and assembly in prayer during the Ordination Mass celebrated on June 3 in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay. (Rick Evans photo)
	Related articles: from June 9, 2006 issue: • Later vocation gives longer perspectives     (Fr. David Duffeck) • New priest first wanted the American dream     (Fr. Quinton Mann) • Compass article leads to answering the call     (Fr. Walter Stumpf) • Editorial -- Time to congratulate from May 26, 2006 issue: • Three to be ordained to priesthood June 3 from Dec. 23, 2005 issue: • photo of three after being ordained transitional deacons from Dec. 16, 2005 issue: • Next step toward priesthood (includes biographies     of the three)

"It is great to see this cathedral swelling with people in support of our three brothers," said Bp. David Zubik welcoming the overflow crowd to the ordination of Frs. Dave Duffeck, Quinn Mann and Walter Stumpf on Saturday, June 3.

Family and friends filled St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay, and the adjoining Bishop Wycislo Center, where they watched the Ordination Mass on a large video screen.

The Rite of Ordination began when Fr. Tom Long, vocations director for the Diocese of Green Bay, testified to Bp. Zubik about the readiness of the candidates for the ministry of priesthood. Following the bishop's acceptance of the recommendation, the assembly gave the three men a resounding ovation as a sign of their consent.

In his homily, Bp. Zubik spoke of the different paths each candidate had taken to the priesthood. While they pursued various careers, "God had something else in mind," he said.

Fr. Duffeck, 49, a graduate of Fox Valley Technical College and Marian College with degrees in marketing and business administration, worked in maintenance and facilities, sales, and retail management before pursuing the priesthood. Fr. Mann, 29, is a graduate of Hillsdale College in Michigan. He worked for the college's development department and served with the National Evangelization Team. Fr. Stumpf, 43, earned a degree in food science from UW-River Falls, and worked in the dairy industry prior to entering seminary.

"They are wonderful people from very diverse backgrounds and all three are exceptionally talented," said Bp. Zubik following the Mass. "Each brings different gifts to the priesthood, which, especially in the cases of Dave and Walter, is a second career. We are finding more and more men who go into something, and then discover they are not satisfied. They've kept the call to serve on the back burner and now respond to the call to priesthood."

The candidates officially became priests following the Laying on of the Hands and Prayer of Consecration. Bp. Zubik challenged the newly ordained priest to give their hearts to the people they serve.

"Jesus calls the three of you to never preach the gospel of yourself, but the gospel of Jesus," he said. "I challenge you to preach to those on the fringe of society. Preach in the name of Christ, the teacher. Let what you preach be nourishment of the word of God."

Patens and chalices were presented to the three new priests by Bp. Zubik. The bishop recognized important people who assisted them on the journey to the priesthood by thanking their parents and siblings; Fr. Doug LeCaptain, former vocations director for the diocese; Fr. Long; Fr. Dennis Lyle, rector/president at Mundelein seminary, where Frs. Mann and Stumpf studied; and Fr. Noel Mueller, OSB, of St. Meinrad School of Theology, where Fr. Duffeck completed his training for the priesthood.

"And to my three brothers, you now possess all the faculties of the diocese," said Bp. Zubik, "which means you can get to work right away. So if you need them for something, they are ready to serve."

Bp. Zubik also announced the first assignments for the new priests. Fr. Duffeck will serve as parochial vicar at St. Mary and St. Francis Xavier parishes in De Pere. Fr. Mann was assigned parochial vicar at the linked parishes of St. Francis Xavier Cathedral and Ss. Peter & Paul in Green Bay. Fr. Stumpf will also serve in Green Bay as parochial vicar at St. Bernard and St. Philip the Apostle parishes.

"They will not only bring a lot of life to those parishes, but a lot of life to the cities," said Bp. Zubik. "They have been assigned to parishes that have needs that their talents can serve."

All three priests celebrated Masses of Thanksgiving at their home parishes on Sunday - Fr. Duffeck at St. Josaphat Parish, Oshkosh; Fr. Mann at Corpus Christi Parish, Sturgeon Bay; and Fr. Stumpf at Holy Spirit Parish, Darboy/Kimberly. The weeks prior to their assignments, which begin on July 3, will be busy, said Fr. Mann.

"I have several ordinations of classmates to attend," he said. "I have a lot to do."

Fr. Duffeck reflected on the ordination and the events in preparation for the day.

"I've spent a great deal of time in prayer and reflection," he said. "We spent Thursday with Bp. Zubik. It was a beautiful day spent in prayer."

"You find yourself looking back," said Fr. Stumpf. "You reflect during time in retreat. I spent time reflecting on the gift and the duty of priesthood."

The new priests blessed guests outside the cathedral after Mass. A reception was held in the Bishop Wycislo Center.

The celebration is shared by the entire church of Green Bay, said Bp. Zubik.

"This feels as though Pentecost has come a day early," he said. "The large number of people here represent the wonderful new spirit in our church and the support for these men who have answered God's call. More people are responding to the call. In 2000, we had five in seminary. This fall, we are hoping to have 20. These guys are really great examples for other men interested in the priesthood."