Grand
Prize Winner
Jennifer
Therrien, Grade 8
Little Silver, NJ
St. Leo the Great Catholic School, Lincroft, NJ
Name of Priest: Fr. Clark
It was second
grade. My classmates were receiving Reconciliation in order
to prepare for First Communion and I wasn’t baptized.
My mother was Jewish, my father was Catholic, and I felt
like I was being singled out in my class. My parents didn’t
know what to do, so they went to talk to Father Clark.
Father Clark
respected my mom and didn’t try to convert her into
being Catholic. He treated her as he would a person whom
he just baptized. He regarded her with absolutely no prejudice
or scorn. Father was friendly, kind and convinced my parents
that baptism in the Roman Catholic faith was the best choice
for me. Even though I wouldn’t be able to receive
Reconciliation with my peers, I would receive First Communion
with them. Then my parents left, and never once did Father
mention my mother being baptized as well.
I recall the
day I was baptized. I think I probably gave Father Clark
a hug before and after the ceremony, I was so excited. My
classmates watched in the pews directly in front of me.
At that time I was old enough to repeat the vows that your
parents usually say. Father announced that this was a very
special baptism, for I would remember it all throughout
my entire life. And I will.
I just received Confirmation this year. My mother is still
Jewish, my father still Catholic. At the end of the ceremony
we went out to dinner to celebrate. I remember Mom looking
at me, saying that if it weren’t for Father Clark,
I wouldn’t be sitting here with my red and white gown,
with my smile upon my face. I would have no religion, or
at least, no confirmed religion. If Father Clark hadn’t
treated my mom like he did, she would’ve never let
me become baptized. She had said, “He is such a great
person. I was comfortable with him and he made me feel like
baptism was the right choice.” I can’t imagine
what life would be like if I wasn’t Catholic! Religion
is such an essential part of my life now.
Now Father is
sick. He still tries his best to make it to our masses on
Fridays, and sometimes he makes it to the Sunday ones as
well. But often he is not there. I miss his sermons. They
never fail to fill me with light and hope. They just make
so much sense! I hope he knows that he is the sole reason
why I am there, sitting in Church. He changed my life. He
was there for my family. More importantly, he was there
for me.
It amazes me
how, even though he is very sick, he still makes it to numerous
masses. I don’t know why, but this trivial fact makes
me feel stronger than I was before, for just seeing him
in Church makes me feel better. I guess it’s because
if he manages to lead the Church in praising God in the
condition he’s in, I can conquer the daily tasks that
I have to do. It proves that God is more powerful than you
think. He’s there to guide you through the day. At
least, I know He’s there for me, and He’s definitely
there for Father as well.
Father Clark
is my hero because he is the reason why I am Catholic.
2nd Place
Winner
Kevin Christopher
Goodwin, Grade 8
Pipersville, PA
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic School, Doylestown, PA
Name of Priest: Fr. John J. Davids
During the Last
Supper, the night prior to his death, Jesus said, “…
do this in memory of me (Luke 22: 19).” This, we believe
as Catholics, was Jesus’ initiation of Holy Orders.
As the Archdiocesan ad goes, priests are “ordinary
men called to do extraordinary things.” Reverend John
J. Davids did things many priests do, but the circumstances
in which he did them were unique. Father John Davids' life
was an inspiration to me, especially since he achieved the
extraordinary in the 51 years he was given.
I have been
attending Catholic school for the past seven years. I can
still remember being told by my teachers that we each have
our own crosses to carry in our lives; Father Davids certainly
had his own cross: cancer. As quoted in the Catholic Standard
and Times, Father said, “One thing that’s always
kept me spiritually alive is, just remember Jesus did His
best work when He was on the cross. This is a cross to carry.
I try to do my work in spite of it. It helps you understand
what being crucified is all about.” Even though he
was going through the process of chemotherapy, Father Davids
continued his preaching and ministering.
Father Davids
was a very inspirational man; he never gave up on people.
He spent his last sixteen years on earth preaching to the
imprisoned, truly showing that Jesus is in all of us. Jesus
loved the most terrible sinners as much as he loved anyone
else. Matthew, the apostle, is an excellent example. Matthew
was a tax collector and, in that age, the public did not
hold tax collectors in very high esteem. Jesus saw through
the occupation into the heart of the man. At that moment,
Matthew was invited to join Him. Father Davids saw the good
in all men in the same way Jesus did.
I am preparing
to receive the Sacrament of Confirmation this spring. You
are probably wondering what this has to do with Father Davids.
I am able to connect Father Davids to my Confirmation saint,
St. Francis of Assisi. They both, of course, followed their
vocations by preaching the Gospel. These two men lived their
vocations until death. St. Francis and Father Davids both
suffered at the end of their lives. Father Davids suffered
the pains of cancer for about six months and, for the last
two years of his life, St. Francis bore the stigmata, marks
on his hands and feet which resembled those of Jesus when
He was crucified. Father Davids inspires me to live the
Gospel in my life as I continue my faith journey.
Father Davids
performed many inspirational acts during his life. The act
I appreciate most is how he never gave up. Anybody could
have said, “ I’m too sick to do anything. Who
cares?” Father Davids didn’t. He had the right
attitude; he carried his cross despite all obstacles. I
know this personally because I served many weddings and
funerals with him, even while he was undergoing chemotherapy.
Father Davids
has made a huge difference in my Catholic faith. Sure, I
always loved being Catholic and always loved God. Now something
is different. I have developed a greater appreciation of
life, not to mention a greater respect for religious vocations.
I have a better understanding of why people choose to dedicate
and sacrifice so much of their lives for the Lord. To live
a life in memory of Jesus is to live out the extraordinary,
which is exactly what Reverend John J. Davids did in his
life.
3rd Place
Winner
Zach Burgmeier,
Grade 5
East Dubuque, IL
St Joseph the Worker Catholic School, Dubuque, IA
Name of Priest: Fr John Lange
The morning sun
shines through the cracks of his hut as he wakes on his
cot to the sound of hungry children. Another day begins
in the hot missions of Africa, and another day begins in
the life of Father John Lange. This essay is based upon
Father John Lange, who is a hero to me.
Father John Lange
attended Loras Academy in Dubuque, Iowa and is a best friend
to my grandpa. This is how I got to know Father John and
learn about his work in Africa. Through the way he lives
each day, he has inspired me. Father John gives of himself
by teachig, helping, and sharing Jesus to the poorest people
in the world.
Father John has
taught me that I should think of others and not just myself.
Jesus tells us that to enter heaven, we need to treat others
as we would want to be treated. I then need to remember
to help others and not just think of what I want. One of
the things I can do is to give to those less fortunate than
me because I know there are these people living in my home
town.
Last year I had
a special chance to give to Father John's kids. It was the
summer of 2001 and my cousin Sarah planed a trip to Africa
to visit him. I asked her if she had room for me to send
toys to John's children. It was special knowing that I was
sending something to the other side of the world. Sara and
I picked out a few small toys that she could take on the
plane. I sent some beenie babies, a yo-yo and a hot wheels
car. The feeling inside me was wonderful after I saw a picture
of the litle boy's eyes who got my hot wheel car. This was
the first and only toy this boy ever had. I now know how
Father John feels when he gives to poor people each day.
I try and live
each day the way Father John does. Trying to be nice, even
in little ways. I've done several things over the past year
such as taking food to school to help the poor. Another
thing is I made May baskets at school for the elderly and
then volunteered to deliver these. Like the picture of the
African boy so happy to recieve a toy, the elderly lady
that received a May basket was happy too. It was sad to
see this lady in her small, crowded room. I felt great though
because I was able to make her day a litle better by sitting
and sharing my basket and time with her. I also help carry
gifts up at church and help with children's liturgies on
the third Sunday of each month. I read at these liturgies
and this gives me a chance to tell others about Jesus and
his great stories. It's kind of like John when he is telling
stories about Jesus.
It's not easy
to do the right things and think of others first. This is
why Father John Lange is one of my heroes. He has chosen
to live this way and if I can continue to follow his path,
then I know someday I can be with John's best friend, my
grandpa, who is now in heaven.
4th Place
Winner
Maureen
Callaghan, Grade 7
Reaboro, ON
Wayside Academy Catholic School
Our Lady of Assumption Parish Hall, Peterborough, ONT Canada
Name of Priest: Fr. Eric Nicolai
In a hamlet,
by a lake, I met Father Eric. He was the priest at a camp
called “Chilawee Trails”. I was one of the many
girls there. Every morning he performed mass. Camp was one
week long, in August. I didn’t skip one chance to
go to mass, because I was so excited to see Father Eric
assist in transforming the bread and wine into Jesus’
body and blood. The masses were performed outside, with
the wind blowing in our hair. His voice matched the warmth
of the wind. It was so soothing to listen to his calm, peaceful
voice. He helped me to concentrate so much. After going
to one of his masses, I was full of anticipation for the
next.
Besides his
soothing voice, he wrote and taught such wonderful homilies.
That was my favourite thing about Father Eric. It seemed
as if his talks took me right into another world. When he
spoke, my eyes stood still, my heart swelled, and my mind
seemed to be far away, in a care free world, in another
time.
Before confession,
Father Eric felt that he should get to know us before we
told him our sins. So we told him our name and a few things
about us. We also got to know a bit more about him. He is
multilingual! He told us that we could tell him our confession
in many different languages including English, French, Spanish,
German, Portuguese, and even African. But the language that
he cannot learn how to speak, is Polish. He said that he’d
been trying to learn for years, but could not get the hang
of it. He then announced what he had just said in all of
those languages. After his long speech, we all said, “English
please!” I felt so comfortable to talk to him about
my sins.
Father Eric
encouraged us to pray the Rosary and other powerful prayers.
One day he told us about how he taught someone about the
Roman Catholic faith. He taught him by word and also by
example. I wished that I could have a chance to teach someone
who knew nothing
about God. Sure enough, I found a chance that very day.
There was a
girl in my cabin named Taiga. No one seemed to like her
very much, because she didn’t know anything about
God. That night, I decided that I would write her a note.
I ended up writing her a lot of notes. On each note, I wrote
a prayer. I eventually ended up writing the “Our Father”,
“Apostles Creed”, “Hail Mary”, “Angel
of God”, and “Glory Be”. She told me that
she would try to memorize them. By the end of the week,
she had memorized most of the prayers. I decided that I
should also teach by example. Throughout the week I did
little sacrifices, like trading my soft mattress with her
hard one, or giving her the last of the food at the dinner
table. I was so extremely happy to do these little, simple
acts of love, that I could barely go to sleep at night.
Father Eric spread his good example down to me, now it will
be spread through Taiga. We are creating a “chain
of love”, and it will come right back to Father Eric.
Father Eric
is my role model in life. He has taught me to love my neighbour
as myself. If I could go back to one time in my life, I
would go back to that wonderful, August week at camp.
5th Place
Winner
Aiden Graham,
Grade 6
Wayside Academy, Peterborough, ONT, Canada
Name of Priest: Fr. Gerry McMahon
My favourite
parish priest is Father Gerry McMahon. For several years
he was a priest in the northern part of the Diocese of Peterborough
in Ontario, Canada. Then he was moved to Immaculate Conception
Church in our city of Peterborough. Our family arrived at
his parish shortly after and we soon felt at home.
Fr. Gerry restored Immaculate Conception Church to its original
beauty and encouraged the parish to cover the great cost
of this work. He did this in about one year out of love
for the Lord, His house and his flock. The beauty of the
Church now inspires me to pray and teaches me that the Lord’s
house should be a place that reflects His beauty.
During the time he was my parish priest, Father often came
to our home for dinner. He was always ready to reward me
or my brother or sisters when we did something well with
a kind word, a candy or even a sacramental such as a rosary
or holy medal. This encouraged us to see a connection between
our every day life and Jesus. While he talked to Mom and
Dad, the kids walked Taffy, his Scottish Terrier. We loved
this time. This showed Fr. Gerry cares about families with
children and he understands them. Taffy was also a part
of Fr. Gerry’s priesthood in another way. He was well-known
in the neighbourhood around Immaculate Conception because
he often walked her and she helped him make friends with
everybody. He taught me that Catholic priests have a mission
to bring the Gospel to everybody, even on their daily walks!
My ‘career’ as an altar server began under his
care. He taught me my first lesson -- how to ring the bells
at the moment of consecration. He encouraged me as well
as my little brother and many little sisters to light holy
candles and pray for the souls in Purgatory in front of
the life-sized crucifix of the Lord. He understands that,
at our age, prayers are more important than money for the
candles.
Everything in Fr. Gerry’s sacristy is properly organized,
in its place, and well taken care of, showing his respect
for the holy vessels that are used in Mass. This teaches
me that everything touching Jesus (body and blood, soul
and divinity) is very, very holy. Father says the holy Mass
reverently and this helps me to recognize that Jesus is
truly present in the Blessed Sacrament and reminds me to
prepare myself to receive Him worthily. Going to the sacrament
of Confession is sometimes difficult because of fear or
shame. Fr. Gerry however, is a good listener, especially
in the confessional, a place that one often finds him. He
helps me make a good and honest confession and to understand
that Jesus truly forgives me and will always be ready to
forgive me.
Sometimes people think of priests only as solemn people.
However, Fr. Gerry has a great sense of humour. This brings
joy and liveliness to the people around him. Fr. Gerry spends
much of his time visiting the sick, the lonely and those
who have nobody else. More than once, he brought my Mom
and Dad Holy Communion when they were sick at home or in
the hospital. This gave them great comfort.
On his way to becoming a priest, Fr. Gerry was a Brother
of the Good Shepherd who helped the poor and homeless. In
this way, he reminds me of the saying of Jesus, “whatever
you do to the least of my brothers you do unto me”
(Mt. 25: 40).
Father Gerry McMahon is a hero. He teaches me that beauty
can lead to God, that there is a connection between everyday
life and Jesus and that the mission of the priest is to
bring the Gospel to all. As well, he encourages me to pray
for the living and the dead. His reverent praying of the
Mass shows me that this unbloody sacrifice is the main focus
of our Catholic Faith. Fr. Gerry has also taught me that
every time I go to Confession, Jesus truly forgives me and
comes to me in the sacrament. Lastly, his friendship has
set an example for me to serve the sick, the lonely and
the homeless. Father Gerry is a priest of Jesus Christ.
6th Place
Winner
Timothy
Dugan, Grade 5
Middletown, NJ
St. Leo the Great Catholic School, Lincroft, NJ
Name of Priest: Fr. Mychal Judge
For my report
I have chosen to write about Father Mychal Judge. I have
chosen him because he is the most heroic priest I know of.
Father Judge performed many acts of heroism throughout his
life, even before he became a priest. He is a hero because
he became the chaplain of the New York City Fire Department.
It takes a lot of courage to be a priest and a firefighter.
Priests have
to sacrifice lots of things. Priests cannot have a wife
or any children. They can't just decide to take a different
job. They can't choose where they want to live. They have
to live nearby the church they work at. They are assigned
to a certain church in a certain place and they can be transferred
to a different state or even out of the country. They have
little freedom. Priests cannot have many material possessions
and they cannot make a lot of money.
This next part
is about Mychal Judge's birth and early life. Mychal Judge's
birth name is Emmet Judge. He was born in Brooklyn, New
York on May 11, 1933. Mychal had a twin sister named Dympna,
who was born two days after Mychal. His parents were both
Irish immigrants. Mychal was only six years old when his
father died of a long-lasting illness. In order to help
his mom and sister survive, and keep food on the table,
he shined shoes at Penn Station, New York City and did other
kinds of odd jobs in the city. This was one of his very
first acts of heroism.
Mychal always
wanted to be a priest. He was an altar boy at his elementary
school. He joined the Franciscan friars when he was fifteen.
He took vows of poverty, chastity and obedience when he
was twenty-two. He was ordained as a priest in 1961 at the
age of 28.
Father Judge
performed many heroic acts during his life as a priest.
He helped many, many people suffering from HIV and AIDS.
He visited them in hospitals and performed the sacrament
of Anointing of the Sick. Father Judge spent many hours
counseling recovering alcoholics. He visited AA meetings
and talked to the people about fighting the urge to drink
and having confidence in themselves to stop. At one time,
Father Judge was an alcoholic but he, along with many others,
conquered his addiction.
In times of
tragedy, Father Judge was there to help victims and their
families any way he could. In 1996 during the TWA Flight
800 tragedy, Father counseled many families every day for
weeks. Father stationed himself at the Ramada Inn near the
JFK Airport because that was the base of operations for
the victims' families and he wanted to be close by each
and every day. He became a healing presence for all those
people whose lives were changed forever. The TWA families
considered him a saint.
On September
11, 2001, terrorists attacked the Twin Towers in New York
City. Father Judge, because he was the chaplain of the New
York City Fire Department, dressed in his firemen gear and
drove to the site of the attacks. Once there, Mayor Giuliani
asked him to pray for everyone and Father Judge smiled and
said "I always do". Then Father rushed off to
give last rites to a fallen firefighter. To show respect,
Father removed his hat/helmet during the process of last
rites and was hit by debris. Father Judge died at the scene
of the World Trade Center tragedy. Father Mychal was very
brave because he put others before himself.
Father had a
special prayer he would wish us to remember him by:
"Lord, take me where you want me to go
Let me meet who you want me to meet
Tell me what you want me to say
And keep me out of your way."
Father's acts
of heroism have been so inspirational that the Pope is considering
him for canonization, the process of becoming a saint. I
think Father Judge is a true American hero and a good role
model for young priests.
7th Place
Winner
Halley Elizabeth Chavey, Grade 6
Ann Arbor, MI
Homeschool
Name of Priest: Fr. Eric Weber
When I first thought of Father Eric Weber, I definitely
did not think of him as a hero. However, when I looked up
the meaning of this word, I saw that a person does not have
to save someone’s life to be a star. A person who
is admired or has great courage is a hero. Then, when I
thought about Father Eric again, I realized that his ability
to preach wonderful homilies, to evangelize young children,
and to give his undivided attention to everybody make him
a hero.
Father Eric always preaches amazing homilies with interesting
points. Most of them are prepared in front of the Blessed
Sacrament for inspiration. He uses stories from his own
life as guidelines for his homilies. This is probably one
of the main reasons why people love his homilies so well.
Many people are influenced by his splendid homilies which
show them better ways to live. I have been influenced by
Father Eric’s homilies largely because of the way
he communicates his thoughts. This young priest explains
concepts in a way that is very easy to understand. Listening
to Father Eric is not listening to any ordinary priest.
He really sets his heart into his homilies, making them
very fascinating.
The young children of our parish love Father Eric. Why?
Simply because he loves them. Father Eric really and truly
wants to increase their faith in God. Because of this, he
established a children’s adoration for them. They
lead the rosary and other prayers during this special time
in front of the Blessed Sacrament. Also, because he wishes
their faith to be stronger, he often teaches them many necessary
beliefs in our faith by talking to them with a patient and
understanding voice. Parents learn things from his explanations
as well. Father Eric’s never-ending patience has helped
me not to easily become impatient with my younger siblings.
I have learned many interesting things from Father Eric’s
explanations for young children too, and so my faith has
been increased as well.
Because Father Eric is such a wonderful priest, many people
want to talk to him. Of course, he is very busy, but he
listens carefully to everything that everyone says. His
mind never wanders from the person to whom he is talking.
People appreciate his undivided attention and his thoughtful
answers. They enjoy how his mind is completely concentrated
on them. I am amazed at the fact that he even has time for
all of the people that come to him. Father Eric has never,
I think, refused anybody if they need to ask him a question.
This magnificent example of true fortitude helps me to tolerate
tasks and people that are not necessarily my favorite.
Father Eric is definitely a hero for me. I highly admire
his traits. By his examples he has shown me how to tolerate
little responsibilities which I don’t really enjoy.
It is easier for me to be patient with my younger siblings,
too, when I see Father Eric as a good model of patience.
I have also been taught many things through Father Eric’s
homilies, such as how to concentrate more fully on prayer.
Even though I did not think of Father Eric Weber as a hero
at first, I think of him as a hero now.
8th Place Winner
John Fasanello
III, Grade 6
Bloomsbury, NJ
Homeschool
Name of Priest: Fr. Paul da Silva
Fr. Paul da
Silva, parochial vicar of Our Lady of Fatima parish in the
diocese of Metuchen is a hero among heroes. He is one of
the best examples I know of what it means to be a “second-Christ,”
a Catholic priest. His great example of holiness will convert
many people, and has strengthened many others in the practice
of their faith.
Fr. Paul celebrates
Mass with extraordinary devotion. Father speaks and moves
with such reverence when celebrating Mass that many people,
including myself, feel it is just like seeing Christ at
the altar. This reverence makes it quite clear that Jesus
is truly present in the Holy Eucharist. He reads the Gospel
with such zeal that not even the most hardened sinner could
remain untouched after hearing him. His homilies are clear
and to the point. Yet, he displays a good sense of humor.
Father Paul
has a great devotion to Mary and has held many celebrations
to honor Our Lady on her various feast days. His speeches
often help spread devotion to Mary throughout the state.
He encourages people to pray the rosary daily, and makes
sure that there are always Rosary beads and brown scapulars
are available at the church.
Fr. Paul da
Silva has held many religious celebrations. One of these
was a procession to honor Our Lady of Fatima. Amazingly,
the town gave permission and the roads were blocked by the
police. About thirty priests and over one thousand people
attended, and I am sure they all enjoyed it. As the procession
began a cage full of doves was set free. The doves then
circled the area and flew away. Fifteen decades of the rosary
were prayed during the procession. We then returned to the
church for prayer and benediction. This was followed by
refreshments in the parish hall. This event is only one
of the many wonderful celebrations in honor of Mary that
Father Paul has held in the last few years.
Father Paul
is one of the best speakers in the diocese. He has a good
sense of humor, and his speeches are very interesting. His
speeches teach a valuable lesson through examples of things
people have done and said for God. His speeches are very
compelling and stir people to action. They are always in
good order, and he chooses his words carefully. I have learned
a lot from his speeches and find them very entertaining.
If you ever hear one of his speeches I am sure you will
enjoy it.
When hearing
confessions Father Paul listens carefully. He thinks carefully
about your words and gives very good advice to help people
overcome their temptations. The lines for Father’s
confessional are very long. People feel comfortable with
him as their confessor. Fr. Paul is a great director of
souls.
Many people
think of Father Paul as a good friend because of his kindness.
When speaking to him it seems as if you are the only person
in the world who needs him. Father Paul is a good source
of guidance, an inspiration to many, and a friend to all.
I thank God that I know Father personally. Father Paul da
Silva is a hero and has many good qualities that I hope
to imitate throughout my life. As I observe these wonderful
things about Father Paul, I feel a longing to become a priest
myself!
9th Place Winner
Shelby Saelens, Grade 5
Lapeer, MI
St. Thomas More Academy Catholic School, Burton, MI
Name of Priest: Fr. Erpelding
Father Erpelding
was our school chaplain. He was born on August 20, 1916
and he was ordained as a priest on May 30, 1942. He served
at St. Mary Mystical Rose, Armada [1965-1978] and Saint
Rita, Holly [1978-1990]. He reached his eternal reward on
Saint Martin de Porres’ feast day. During many of
his sermons he would ask us to pray for people that had
died and “reached their eternal reward”. Fr.
Erpelding took eleven years of his life to teach at our
school. He really served as a priest for sixty years.
He was a great
person as well as a priest. Fr. Erpelding would not accept
any gifts from anyone or take anything anyone would offer,
like food or money. He was always kind to everybody, no
matter who they were. He taught St. Thomas More a lot about
Catholic faith as well as a lot of other important things.
Fr. Erpelding
taught us how to say the rosary correctly. Father would
never get upset with anybody except when people would rush
through the rosary. He loved Our Lady so much and he wanted
her to have proper respect. He always gave beautiful speeches
during Mass and was always so cheerful. He was so religious
that even when he had a stroke during Mass he would not
leave the church until he finished saying Mass. Father was
so humble and giving that St. Thomas More dedicated and
named the gym after him. He was so happy that day. Everyone
was very excited. The Bishop came to honor Father on his
special day.
Father Erpelding
lived what he spoke. His sermons talked about making sacrifices
but not showing that you were making a sacrifice. During
Lent he would remind us that we should not tell anyone what
we were giving up or sacrificing. If we did, then we would
be looking for praise. We must make sure that we always
combed our hair and kept ourselves looking good. Only a
true martyr sacrifices alone without looking for anyone’s
sympathy.
He lived by
his words and did not show anyone that he was suffering.
When Father Erpelding was sick all he would do was pray,
in fact he prayed even when he was not sick. When Father
Norbert went to go see Father Erpelding just before he died,
Father Erpelding was praying. Father offered up all his
pains and sufferings to God. Father did not want to leave
our school when he was sick, he just wanted to serve God
by spreading his word. He truly loved us and we loved him.
His sweet gentle
voice soothed anyone’s soul. Father Erpelding never
raised his voice. He never spoke a word except when he was
spoken to. His humbleness was beyond compare.
Father always said, “Even if you can not become a
priest you can still dedicate your life to God by becoming
a nun.’’ I appreciate his words greatly and
I have decided to become a nun when I grow older. Even if
do not become a nun, I will still dedicate my life to God.
I am who I am today all because of Father Erpelding and
that is why he is my hero.
10th Place Winner
Joe Mancino,
Grade 6
Middletown, NJ
St. Leo the Great Catholic School, Lincroft, NJ
Name of Priest: Fr. Clark
Why is my wonderful
priest a hero? My priest has been in my loving and caring
parish for as long as I can remember. My priest, Father
Clark, is a caring, loving, generous person. Father Clark
has inspired me not only to teach the good news of our gracious
Lord to my friends, family, and community, but to show my
appreciation toward our Lord through kind actions. Aside
from my parents, he has taught me what God does and does
not want me to do in His name. He has taught me to love
your neighbor as you would yourself and to love God with
all your soul, all your heart, and your entire mind.
My priest, Father
Clark, has especially guided me through my journey of faith.
He has showed me that life is like a race, and whoever builds
up our Lord’s kingdom, and continues to make a difference
in our, sometimes violent world will win it. He has helped
me realize that after I die and go to heaven I would want
to be remembered as a good person who was nice to everyone
I met and made a difference in our world. I do not want
people to remember me as a person who just took up space.
I do not ever want anyone to forget me. Father Clark has
showed me that when I read the Bible I am not just reading
any old book; I am reading God’s word in human language
that has been passed down from generation to generation
for trillions and trillions of years.
Father Clark
has made a huge difference in my catholic faith. Father
Clark helped me realize that God is in every single person
no matter how old you are. Therefore, if you welcome your
neighbor, then in turn are welcoming God which means you
are welcoming Jesus and if you welcome Jesus you will be
following God’s words. I remember one time Father
Clark said not to be distracted with petty little pleasures,
but to focus on one goal at a time. Father Clark has also
said you can pray to God to make major decisions or even
just to help you through the day. Father Clark also always
tells us to have faith in Jesus even in the darkest, gloomiest
times for he is our soul provider and all good will come
out of bad.
Father Clark
has been a priest for thirty years! I appreciate Father
Clark for all he has done in the past, and especially the
last year. Even though he has had lung cancer for the past
twelve months, it has not stopped him from getting all the
joy he can, from preaching to the young and old about God’s
special message. Every Sunday or Saturday night, Father
Clark greets you with a smile on his face and hand out to
shake. During mass it does not matter how sick he is, or
how badly he feels, because he still looks happy and enjoys
preaching. After mass, he is sure to wait for every single
person to leave, even if you are very young, he still cares.
Father Clark
was here to give me my diploma when I was a little child
in kindergarten. He was the priest I made communion and
reconciliation with; and I am looking forward to him giving
me my eighth grade diploma as well. When I think of Father
Clark, I think of the story of the Good Samaritan. I think
he is like the Good Samaritan because he is always caring
for other people; he puts others before himself. Father
Clark is such a kind, un-selfish, and so good-hearted that
I believe my priest, Father Clark, is a hero!
