June 6, 2021
Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ
Friends,
I am overjoyed to announce that St. John the Baptist is getting another priest, Father Paolo Degasperi, who was ordained this weekend by Bishop Kevin Rhoades!
Fr. Paolo is originally from Trent, Italy; the city where the Church's famous Council of Trent took place in the 16th century. Born on November 8, 1988, Father Paolo is the youngest of 5 children. One of his brothers is also a priest, another brother is married, and his sister is literally a Sister!
Fr. Paolo played soccer and classical guitar growing up. He majored in business in college. At the age of 22, he felt called to become a Franciscan friar and joined the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate in Italy. He studied philosophy and theology in a couple of different Pontifical universities. In 2016, he joined the Franciscan Brothers Minor in Fort Wayne. When their community discerned not to continue he peitioned Bishop Rhoades to be accepted as a seminarian for our diocese which was happily granted.
Fr. Paolo says, "I look forward to being among the people of St. John's, to be a witness of Christ's joy and love, and to bring Jesus to them through the Sacraments and any other personal interaction."
You will see a lot of Fr. Paolo. He's going to be a tremendous help as I dedicate more time as Vocations Director for our diocese. He's moving into the rectory this Mondya and will begin saying weekday Masses and hearing Confessions this week. Coming up, he'll say Mass on Sunday, June 13th and Saturday, June 19th while he also says Masses at St. Jude's and Most Precious Blood where he had summer assignements. In July, he will travel back back to Italy for three weeks to celebrate his recent ordination with friends and family, and then he'll be fully into the swing of things here at St. John the Baptist.
Please welcome, and pray for, (and invite over to dinner!) Fr. Paolo Degasperi!