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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Father Robert W. Gralapp

Birth date including year: Apr. 1, 1938

Hometown: Le Mars, Iowa

Education: Gehlen Catholic School, Loras College, Mt. St. Bernard Seminary

Ordination date: May 30, 1964

Current assignment: Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Manning and Sacred Heart Parish in Manilla

Hobbies/interests: walking, reading, cycle riding and visiting with people

Describe your call to priesthood. I was attracted to the priesthood in elementary school, but became attracted to other things in high school and college. The attraction to priesthood returned after college.

Did anyone or anything provide you with inspiration to follow the call to priesthood? Good example of priests in the parish and schools inspired me.

Was it a difficult decision to make? It was an easy decision to make after doing away with all of the distractions.

What do you enjoy most about being a priest? Sharing God’s love for the people through the Mass and the Sacraments.

Are there any particular devotions or prayers that are dear to your heart? Offering the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass, praying the Divine Office, praying the rosary and doing spiritual reading.

Why do you find priesthood to be a worthy vocation? It is the best way for me to move towards eternal life and to help others along the same path.

What would you say to a young man considering a vocation to the priesthood? Give it a try. It’s fun. It’s fulfilling. I like it.