Page 41 - Catholic Extension Magazine Spring 2020

Extension | Spring 2020 41

Father John Mosier,
serving the Diocese of Boise,
is a widower and had an
engineering career before
entering the seminary.

young priests are being asked
to manage parishes at an earlier
age. For many, the budgeting and
finances can be overwhelming.
At my age, having managed a big
budget during my engineering
career, I know financial state-
ments. I’ve worked with auditors
and in human resources, making
hiring and firing decisions. In
leadership positions, you get better
at learning the questions to ask. So,
when we’re running out of space
in the school, I’m not asking about
“ bring to his priestly ministry? any other work, you get better with
2021, but about 2029. Just like in
The primary role of a
What do his life experiences
life experience.”
Mosier believes it’s invaluable
priest is pastoral care and
“From my marriage I learned
the sacraments, but the
talk to young people about this. If
administrative role is also humility and empathy. When to be part of something bigger. “I
you’re married, it’s not about you,
you’re part of an organization like
important.” it’s a partnership. You learn to a 240-year-old Marine Corp or a
humble your desires and opinions 2,000-year-old Church, you realize
because you love your spouse,” that you’re privileged to be part of
profound sense of service and he said. “When a couple comes to something that many people, who
wanted to help the Church.” He me for guidance, whether before have walked before you, have
was ordained in June 2018. marriage or if they’re struggling, I contributed to and made stron-
Father Mosier is grateful to can reflect on being a husband and ger. So, my significance exists in
Catholic Extension for supporting the things I did well and the things the significance of others.”
him in the seminary. “Through me, I wish I’d done better.” His first assignment is pastor
your donors become the hands of St. Thomas Apostle Church in
and feet of Christ,” he said. “You The value of experience Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. “It’s a dream
are allowing a Catholic priest The job experience also helps. parish,” he said. “It was estab-
to be there during moments of “The primary role of a priest is lished in 1890, is designed in a
vulnerability in people’s lives, pastoral care and the sacraments, neo-Gothic style and sits on a lake.
especially when they are suffer- but the administrative role is also Masses are packed. We’ll have
ing. That priest is the manifesta- important,” he said. “Years ago, more than 3,000 parishioners by
tion of generosity of everyone young priests had more years spring. We are growing each and
who helped him get there. being mentored by older priests. every week.”
But now with a shortage of priests,