Catholic, Celibate and Real with Msgr. Paul Dudziak

It was one of those moments in life recorded in my brain in full
color and stereo sound even though there wasn’t much color, and
there wasn’t much sound. It was November in rural Southern
Maryland, where the grayness and chill of winter overtook
Autumn’s charm. My candidating sermon had been given on that
Sunday morning in a middle school cafeteria in front of forty
people, including children and bugs. The congregation asked me to
leave as they discussed whether or not to extend to me an
invitation to become this Presbyterian church’s organizing
pastor. My eight-month pregnant wife was at home in Florida,
awaiting the verdict. This decision would dramatically change our
life.


I methodically walked the parking lot outside, wondering how long
the meeting would last and somewhat curious about the only other
human outside at the moment. The man was buried under the hood of
an aging automobile (and must have been enjoying the cold about
as much as I was). Knowing as little about cars as I do, I was
wise enough not to go over and offer help with my nervous shaking
hands.


Imagine my surprise when I saw that the human form who unfurled
from under the car hood sported a Roman clerical collar and
pleasantly introduced himself. His church was a church plant as
well and was meeting in the school gymnasium. He very quickly
extracted from me the situation I was in. Without hesitation, he
closed the hood and insisted on accompanying me in these tense
waiting moments, assuring me of his prayers and best wishes when
the call came to return.


I received the invitation from that church. Father Paul and I
became anchors of sorts in the interfaith council in the county.
More importantly, he became a friend. Father Paul, educated
beyond impressive, a significant leader in the covenant community
movement, currently serves as the Msgr. at St. Stephens Martyr
Catholic Church in Foggy Bottom, Washington, D.C., six blocks
away from the White House.


Welcome to Church Hurts And, Father Paul Dudziak.


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