‘I’ve retired as a pastor but not as a priest’ Father William G. Muench retired this past June after 52 years of active ministry in the Diocese of Ogdensburg. A native of Syracuse, he was ordained May 16, 1959 by Bishop James J. Navagh. Through the years, Father Muench has experienced nearly every kind of ministry offered in the diocese: pastor, teacher, high school principal, college chaplain, missionary in Peru and seminary teacher. He was also a very popular columnist in the North Country Catholic. “Father Muench Says” was a regular feature in the diocesan newspaper for many years. In this new installment, Father Muench reflects on the first sixth months as a retired priest.

By Fr. William Muench
Contributing Writer

The interesting thing about my life now is that I am still doing what I have always enjoyed as a priest – that is celebrating Mass and preaching. I have retired as a pastor but not as a priest  and so I am given many opportunities to celebrate Mass and to preach.

There is something special about joining together in prayer with a group of people at Mass and to share with them in a homily. I have also continued those opportunities by continuing my weekly e-mail ministry – another opportunity to put my ideas into print.  It is a very special opportunity for me. I would certainly choose the vocation of a priest again – it truly defined who I am. I have also discovered that this is where God wanted me to be – gifting me with the gifts and talents to be a good celebrant at Mass – and a good preacher. I am certain that I would find these retirement years impossible if I could not continue to celebrate Mass and give homilies.

Over the past couple of months, I have discovered that the Mass and offering Mass has become a more deeply spiritual experience for me. As a pastor there were so many things to think about or worry about or even, at times, financial concerns. Now, I can put myself more completely into the prayer and experience of the Eucharist and I believe that it may even be more meaningful to the congregation at the Mass.

Plans for the future
When I am asked about plans for my retirement, I truly have no idea. I am taking it one day at a time.
I have been able to reconnect with my own family in a good way as I live much closer to them and am able to visit and also be available to them in times of difficulty.

I hope to continue to travel – and discover new places in the world. And I hope to return to places in Italy that I loved and discovered when I was in the sabbatical program in Rome. 

I have also discovered that I can be of help to some of the priests of the diocese, either by giving them coverage when they need to get away  or to support the pastor in this parish (St. Anthony’s in Watertown), who is alone and can use help in covering his schedule. 

Finally, I know that there is one (or more) truly meaningful and exciting something in my future – and I am constantly open and looking to find what that may be. I am still healthy and strong – and excited to find that new opportunity.

At this point all of my days are “ideal,” even the days that I sit around writing to one of my favorite people (the editor of the North Country Catholic). I enjoy so many activities: offering Mass, visiting my brother or my sister, going out to lunch with a friend, studying (right now I am investigating Cosmology – in books and in courses on DVDs) and oh, yes, taking time for exercise – a long walk or a session on the treadmill, occasionally, taking some time to cook a special supper, finally, accepting an invitation. I am always open and ready to follow up on an invitation – even, when I am asked out in five minutes – I am off and ready – or, even if the invitation is several miles away – I am ready to go.

Advice for young people
If I were asked to give advice to a young person considering a vocation, the first thing I’d say is that it is  never an easy decision – but on the other hand never be afraid, the opportunities are magnificent, the possibilities are huge.

The questions are many, of course, there are fears in making decisions about the future. The challenges are not impossible; they are simply thrilling.

How do you know? 
Of course, there is no bright light or such – but it is important that all of us recognize that we are all called to accomplish something important by the Lord – and the Lord gives us all talents and abilities to accomplish so much.

Our call is basically to use those abilities as well as we can – whether we have one or many – in that search of who we are. For many of you – you will find your future best as a religious.

I have said enough but let me add  that it is a love affair when we understand just how much our God loves us, when we understand that we are loved people – and for many of us the best way to live our lives as a loved person is as a religious. 

I have been given the gift of being a part of so many wonderful families, part of the life of so many wonderfully talented people.

I am simply thrilled that the Lord allowed me to be a priest.

As a retired person in my travels I run into former students and parishioners. To see how well they have done- and also that they remember me – that makes that day an ideal, happy day.

Oh, one more thing – I don’t have a dog. Several people have suggested that the solution to a good retirement is a dog but I haven’t got there. I like dogs but I am  on the road too much. You can’t believe the number of miles I have put on my car in the past few months!