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 GOD DOES CALL

Greetings – in the Heart of Jesus. I am Br. Michael Fette, SCJ; a Formation Director for our Theology students who attend CTU (Catholic Theological Union), in Chicago.

Growing up in Harrison, Ohio --  I can remember my parents having a strong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We were taught how important the First Fridays of the month were: how important it was to go to Mass and receive Holy Communion on the nine First Fridays.

When in the seventh grade, I became aware that I was being called to service in the church. I wanted to attend a Seminary to check this out further. It was because of the devotion to the Sacred Heart that the Seminary had to have the word Heart in its title. I found one in Donaldson, Ind. – Divine Heart Seminary. My experience in those early years helped me to see how dedicated and loving these Priests and Brothers were. How they were caring and concerned about us as Seminarians and among themselves. They were men I could look up to and emulate. I wanted to be able to take the love of Jesus to everyone I would meet.

My first apostolic assignment was to St. Joseph’s Indian School in Chamberlain, South Dakota. I was the coordinator of Religious Education and would also teach religion  on the seventh and eighth grade levels.

One Thanksgiving, the Scares The Hawk children had no ride up to the Cheyenne River Reservation. I said I’d be happy to drive them home. The kids were excited about getting  home for the holidays.

We arrived on the reservation and I parked out side of this old two room house. We walked in, and to my surprise, there was a dead deer laying on the floor. Mr. Scares The Hawk was so happy – he looked right at me and said we now can have meat for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. I will never forget the happiness in all of their eyes.

Being called to serve God’s people as a Priest or Brother is a real privilege and a responsibility. Remember that God Does Call – We need to listen.

                                                                                                                      Michael Fette, SCJ

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