THE GLOBE
PO BOX 5079 (51102)
1825 JACKSON ST.
SIOUX CITY, IA (51105)
712.255.2550
800.352.9035
WWW.CATHOLICGLOBE.ORG

Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Robert Patrick Brown

Birth date including year: March 17, 1938 The Only TRUE IRISHMAN!!

Hometown: Emmetsburg

Education: St. Mary's Grade School,Emmetsburg Catholic High School, St. John's University, Creighton U., North American College, Gregorian University

Ordination date: 11-18-63

Current assignment: St. Louis, Royal

Hobbies/interests: Sports

Describe your call to priesthood. In High School at Emmetsburg I was the parish custodian. Msgr Mason gave me all the rather unusual tasks to do, like filling the stoker of the furnace at six A.M. On a cold winter morning. I also had to climb up into the attic of the gym to change light bulbs if they blew out. We only had five lights. I was also playing Basketball; my uniform was NOT enough to keep a fella warm up in that attic, but I braved the elements and did my job.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to priesthood? I liked all the priests who served in our Parish, Msgr Mason, Fr. Jim Cain, Fr. Peter Murphy, & others .

Was it a difficult decision to make? Not really, I really loved St. John's University, and I entered the seminary there for 2 years and then studied theology in Rome at the Gregorian University..It was rather difficult because you could NOT come home during my four years of theology. How-ever, I Am a Survivor!. I really enjoy my priesthood, especially offering Mass & teaching.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? Offering Mass & administering the Sacraments.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? I like to pray the Divine Office everyday. It keeps me on the straight'n'narrow.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? It keeps me focused on what we all have to do to enjoy Resurrection & Life Everlasting—that's the goal of all of us, isn't it.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? GO FOR IT!!