Editor: It has been 10 months since you were appointed as our vicar general, how was the transition from parish life and how are you settling in?

Father Reitmeyer: Honestly, it has been more difficult than I anticipated. I have transitioned from one parish to another before, and there is a certain amount of grief involved in that for both the priest and the parishioners. However, the transition out of parish ministry altogether has been challenging.

I miss standing in front of the church on Sunday mornings greeting parishioners as they arrive. I miss looking out from the sanctuary and seeing people I am familiar with, people I have laughed with, prayed with, cried with, learned from, etc. As the vicar general, I enjoy going out to different parishes on the weekend, especially to celebrate Confirmation Masses, but it is different from having a home parish. The best way I can explain it is that I know how to love and make a gift of myself as a pastor, I am not yet sure how to do the same as the vicar general, but I am learning.

This position has changed nearly all my relationships — with my brother priests, parishioners, our bishop, diocesan staff, etc. It is not better or worse, just different and a bit disorienting. I am confident that with time and with patience on both sides, we will adjust.

I am beginning to feel more settled in my new position. I am figuring out my work routine and am more familiar with the day-to-day tasks. There is always something new to learn about my responsibilities both as vicar general and moderator of the curia.

Editor: What do you think has prepared you for this role?

Father Reitmeyer: There are several things! The first is the time I spent as a police officer and detective before I entered seminary. I have taken the lessons I learned from those experiences and relied on them to help me learn in my new role. In both roles, I often deal with the more difficult events that occur, or I encounter people who may not be having the best day. In the midst of that, I have learned to remain calm, consistent, fair, compassionate and merciful. The circumstances of each situation are different, and we need to meet people where they are on their path of life. The laws of the church and the rules of any organization need to be applied with equity, taking each person’s circumstances into account.

Second, my education in canon law has been invaluable. Canon law gets a bad rap at times, but it is essential in helping us promote justice tempered by mercy and maintain order and good discipline in the church. I cannot imagine what life in the church would be like without it.

Finally, I had the opportunity to work with Bishop Garcia before during my pastoral year (2012-13) at St. Vincent de Paul Parish. Since then, he has remained a mentor for me and has become a close friend. Serving him as his vicar general, it is my role to think, act and speak in the mind of our bishop. While I am still growing in that ability, I am confident that I can assist him in the overall leadership and governance of the diocese.

Editor: What do you ask of the faithful in terms of supporting our priests?

Father Reitmeyer: Pray for us! When I say this to parishioners, they nod and say, “Father, I pray for you every day. I pray for all our priests.” Thank you! Please do not stop, and please teach your family to pray for the priests that serve your parish. When we have a Holy Hour for Vocations, go, pray for more priests, and then invite others to consider the call.

Write your priest a note telling him how he has impacted your life for the better. As quick as we are to share thoughts of correction, which are needed at times, we should all be better about affirming people when they do well.

Pray for more men to answer the call to the priesthood. If God places the thought or desire to be a priest on your heart, or on your son’s heart, listen to it, pray about it, and discuss it with a priest. Pray for your priests, and pray for more priests!