Deacon Chase Riecker
Home Parish: St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, Celestine
Seminary: Kenrick-Glennon Seminary
Ordination Year: 2027
My mother played an essential role in my discernment to the priesthood. I cannot remember a single time she ever asked me if I wanted to be a priest or any question relating to my vocation. However, she provided a consistent witness by giving without counting the cost, and constant availability to other people.
Over time, I began to see how much time and availability she poured into other people and also how much peace she had in the midst of constant stress. Through it all, my mother relied on frequent prayer and trust in God.
I think the number one thing my mother provided me was letting me know that she was indifferent to whether or not I became a priest. All she wanted was for me to follow what God was calling me to do. At no point did I feel pressure to stay in seminary or leave. Instead of pressure, I felt a tremendous freedom in listening more intently to the voice of Jesus and trusting in God after my mother’s example.
The witness my mother supplied me was lifelong and I could not begin to enumerate the many subtle ways she modeled unfailing trust in God that things would work out in the end. It is inconceivably difficult to imagine myself standing where I am now without her testimony and support.