Saint Paul compared the Christian life to a foot race, with heaven at the finish line. So it’s not much of a “stretch” that Fr. William Rose, the new pastor of Christ the King Church, pounds a lot of earthly pavement as he strives to live the Gospel. His habit of working toward goals as an athlete carries over into his spiritual life as well.

A hometown boy returns

With the endpoint of competing in half-marathons (13.1 miles), Fr. Bill trains on a treadmill and city sidewalks. He seems glad that his feet have brought him home to Toledo after six years of study and twelve years of parish work in Tiffin and Lima. His parents still live in the South End, and one brother resides in Sylvania.

Of the family’s three sons, “I am the youngest and shortest,” Fr. Bill explains. They’re all over six feet tall, including the brother they call “Turtle.” His mother supplies him with cookies and cupcakes, which are shared with Fr. Dominic Savyo, the new associate pastor. (Fr. Dominic, a native of India, has relished these new taste experiences.)

Path to the priesthood

Fr. Bill first thought about the priesthood as a sixth grader. He graduated from Cardinal Stritch High School and lived a “normal college life” at the University of Toledo without giving it much further thought. However, after completing a communications degree and joining the workforce, Fr. Bill experienced an “unsettling” feeling that led him to consider the priesthood again.

He began discussing that possibility with Fr. Michael Billian, chancellor of the Toledo Diocese. He entered Mount St. Mary’s seminary in Cincinnati with the intent of discerning whether or not he was indeed called to the priesthood. Since then, Fr. Bill has enthusiastically embraced his life as a priest.

You've got to have goals

For all of us, Fr. Bill compares setting goals for one’s spiritual life to determining objectives for a career or a sport. He’s seen people put a lot of energy into training for a race or perfecting their golf putts. “You’ve always got to have a goal in mind,” he stresses. “Where do I want to be in my relationship with Christ a year from now? Most people don’t ask themselves that question.”

Now, Fr. Bill’s background in communications serves him well as he plots a course for his time at Christ the King. He promises to be as involved as he possibly can in the school and religious education program. “Remember, I’m a PR major,” he says, “and nobody’s going to want to be a priest in this day and age if they don’t know one.”

Introduce yourself, again

When the children and adults get to know Fr. Bill, they will find a man who listens intently, considers issues thoughtfully, and includes others in decision-making. He has already met with various councils and groups in the parish to find out what they have to say. An infectious laugh and a habit of poking fun at himself help put others at ease.

“We’re very pleased to be here,” Fr. Bill emphasized, speaking on behalf of Fr. Dominic, too. How can we best show our support? “Continue to pray for us,” Fr. Bill requested. “Repeat your name over and over again. And don’t think that we know everything!”

It will take time for the priests and parishioners to get acquainted with each other. But with the clear desire to listen and learn from parishioners, and the goal of helping all of us deepen our relationship with God, Fr. Bill has a head start in this race. Let’s welcome our new pastor and associate pastor, take a fresh look at our own spiritual goals, and strive to reach the finish line together.

by Kathryn Nelson