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Year for Priests: Reflecting on vocation, ministry

Name: Msgr. Kenneth Seifried

Born: Oct. 26, 1936

Hometown: Manson

Education: BA Loras College, Dubuque, Iowa; MSED, Creighton University, Omaha, Neb.; MS, AZUSA Pacific, Burbank, Calif.; Master of Divinity, I.C. Seminary, Long Island, New York; graduate of U.S. Army War College, Carlisle, Pa.; and Mt. St. Bernard Seminary, Dubuque.

Ordained: June 1, 1963

Current assignment: retired

Hobbies/interests: Bicycling, riding Harley, walking, reading and going to athletic events

Call to priesthood and who provided inspiration: I wanted to be a priest, a truck driver and a general. My father died while I was in the 8th grade, and when it was time to decide what to do with my life, my mother wanted me to farm and care for her. I decided farming was hard work. I admired Father Clem Klobbe, my pastor, who was very popular among the teens, so I decided that’s the way to go. And it all worked out. I was ordained a priest and my first assignment was to Kuemper Catholic High School. I was asked to drive a bus and after seven years of teaching, I joined the Army. Twenty-eight years later, I retired with the rank of Colonel (not quite a General), so my childhood dreams all became a reality.

Was it a difficult decision? I thought about it during elementary school, and four months before high school graduation I had to make a decision and it seemed it was the only way to go. Once in the minor seminary at Loras College, it was no looking back. One day at a time and eight years [later]: ordination. Father Klobbe was very helpful getting me into college.

Enjoy about the priesthood: What I enjoy most about the priesthood are the people. They are really wonderful, so kind and caring. It is really amazing how good they are to me. They add so much energy to my priesthood.

Favorite devotions and prayers: Certainly, daily and weekend Masses provide much spiritual strength. But the rosary is really a favorite since I hated it as a teen when every evening my mother would call me into the home to pray with her the rosary at 6:45 p.m. on KCIM, Carroll, Iowa. I hated it so much that I informed God there has to be a pay off and I think he responded with the priesthood. Now I pray it once or even twice a day.

A worthy vocation: There are so many problems and challenges people face, so much need for help. I think folks are out there crying for help and support.

To a young man: Give it a try! If you decide it’s not for you, at least the rest of your life you will know. So many say, “I should have been a priest.” Did they try it?