News

Three join order of priesthood at Cathedral

By Jeff Kurowski
Compass Assistant Editor

	PRAYING TOGETHER: Deacons Andy Kysely, Ben Sember and Joel Sember pray together June 30 in St. Francis Xavier Cathedral, Green Bay, prior to their ordinations to the priesthood. (Rick Evans photo)

Saturday marked the 43rd consecutive year Bp. David Zubik has attended an ordination ceremony, and all have been special, he said.

"I can remember being in St. Paul Cathedral in Pittsburgh in 1965 thinking about what an awesome experience that was, and today is another awesome experience," he said.

Family and friends filled St. Francis Xavier Cathedral in Green Bay for the ordination of Fr. Andy Kysely and twin brothers, Frs. Ben and Joel Sember.

The Rite of Ordination began when Fr. Tom Long, diocesan director of vocations, 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 showed its consent with applause.

In his homily, Bp. Zubik referenced Pope Benedict XVI's book Jesus of Nazareth. He pointed to a particular chapter where the pope emphasizes that "God needs to be asked."

"We have people who pray for vocations," said Bp. Zubik. "God needs to be asked, but we also have to ask people to answer God's call."

Bp. Zubik added that the two assignments given to the apostles by Jesus hold true today for the newly ordained and all who serve.

	Related articles in this issue: • Bridging the Gap by Bishop Zubik -- For them, we are grateful • New priest considered vocation at young age (Fr. Kysely) • Why I want to be a priest (Fr. Ben Sember) • New priest said friendship started vocation (Fr. Ben Sember) • New priest ready to let God work (Fr. Joel Sember)
	Previous articles: from June 22, 2007 issue: • Bishop to ordain three from August 25, 2006 issue: • Three take next step on path (includes photo) August 11, 2006 issue: • Three seminarians will be ordained as deacons (includes photos of the three men) April 29, 2005 issue: • 'Like a herd of sheep, all hungry for pasture' (by Ben Sember) • Smoke became the main topic in Rome (by Joel Sember) April 15, 2005 issue: • Seminarians among faithful to mourn pope June 25, 2004 issue: • Celibacy is a great treasure for the church and for others (by Ben Sember) January 9, 2004 issue: • How one person made a difference for a seminarian August 9, 2002 issue: • 'Seeing the pope was best part of whole trip' (by Joel Sember) January 11, 2002 issue: • How Scripture guides our seminarians April 13, 2001 issue: • 'I had to check priesthood' (Ben Sember) December 8, 2000 issue: • Sacraments attract seminarian (Joel Sember)

"Remain with him, and go out and preach with him," he said. "Stay with Jesus. Know that Jesus didn't intend that assignment only when he was on earth. Stay with him in prayer."

The candidates officially became priests following the Laying on of the Hands and Prayer of Consecration. They are all wonderful additions to the brotherhood of priests in the diocese, said Bp. Zubik.

"All three of them are really outstanding," he said. "They have their own individual gifts and talents, and I know that they are going to bring the richness of their love for God and the church to the people they are going to serve."

Bp. Zubik noted that approximately 140 members of the two families had attended the ordination ceremony. He commended them for their support.

Regarding their first priestly appointments, Bp. Zubik said all three have much to offer.

"Ben's assignment in the Marriage Tribunal focused on the fact he is studying canon caw," he said. "Joel did some work in Rome working with young folks, so he will do well working with campus ministry in Oshkosh. He will also bring an energy to the two new parishes in Oshkosh as well. Andy being involved with the parishes on the west side of Green Bay will be a nice gift to them."

Bp. Zubik added that not only was the ordination ceremony special, but so too was the time he spent with the three men before the ceremony.

"We spent some time in prayer," he said. "There is a special bond between a bishop and his priests, and to be able to have that connection before we even started the ceremony was really terrific. They are all very talented and are ready to serve."

All three priests celebrated Masses of Thanksgiving over the weekend - Fr. Kysely at St. Josaphat Parish, Oshkosh, on July 1; Fr. Ben Sember at Sacred Heart Parish, Oshkosh, on June 30; and Fr. Joel Sember at Most Precious Blood Parish, New London, on July 1.