June 2, 2016
by Fr. Ralph Gross
The Gift of a Fr. Vincent Strand, S.J.
Our entire St. Bruno Community wants to congratulate Fr. Vincent Strand, a member of the Society of Jesus, on his priestly ordination on June 4th. He has been a part of our St. Bruno Community since his birth on Valentine’s Day, 1983. Likewise, we want to congratulate his parents, Jerry and Bernadette, his brothers, Fr. Luke and Fr. Jacob, and his sister, Theresa.
Although Fr. Vincent is a member of a Religious Order, the Jesuits, which is different from being a Diocesan Priest, like myself and his two brothers, by the very fact of his ordination to priesthood we share an intimate sacramental bond and brotherhood. Truly the whole Church rejoices in the gift given to her by and through the ordination of a priest. All priests have the same goal --- to build up Christ’s Body. That is accomplished in various ways in parish work, teaching, serving as a missionary, or some other special activity. More importantly, all priests proclaim the Gospel, celebrate the Eucharist and the other sacraments, along with ministering to and serving those in need.
As I approach my retirement later this month and give up administrative duties after 46 years, it is such a joy to celebrate Fr. Vincent’s priestly ordination and entry into the ranks. He brings many talents and spiritual gifts into the ministerial priesthood to be shared and given to the People of God. As he helps mold people in their Christian being, those same people, who also share in the common priesthood of Christ through their baptism, will help him to grow as priest. The Lord’s priests and the People of God have a graced relationship that we need to appreciate, celebrate and grow. We thank the Lord for the gift of priesthood and the community of the Church. We are one! ~Fr. Ralph
