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Two priests mark 25 years of service to the Lord
Twenty-five years ago the people of the Diocese of Phoenix received a blessing in the form of new priests: Fr. Ray Ritari and Fr. Mike Straley. These two men answered God’s call to a life of priestly service in 1983, and have been serving the Catholic faithful with a profound dedication to the Eucharist and sharing the Good News ever since.
The two pastors took time to answer some questions as they reflected back on a quarter-century of priesthood.
Fr. Raymond J. Ritari
Pastor: St. Matthew Parish, Phoenix
Born: July 2, 1957, in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada
Ordained: Oct. 26, 1983, at the age of 26.
Education: St. Thomas Seminary in Denver and St. Patrick Seminary in Menlo Park, Calif.
What drew you to the priesthood?
A desire to serve others and to celebrate the Sunday Eucharist. I always pretended to celebrate Mass as a kid with my homemade altar and shrine in my bedroom. I think I was quite creative! I was also influenced by my parents.
What keeps you going?
Daily meditation as taught by the ancient desert fathers: John Cassian, Bede Griffiths and John Main, OSB.
What do you find most challenging?
To preach on behalf of many people in society who are made to feel invisible and who are persecuted simply because of who they are or how they came to be among us. I have a sense that many people want to hear a more “sanitized” version of the Gospel.
Twenty-five years ago I never thought…
… I would see what has taken place in the Diocese of Phoenix.
What is your favorite book?
I have two favorite books: “Everything Belongs” by Richard Rohr and “No Salvation Outside the Poor” by Jon Sobrino.
What is your favorite hobby?
I love to travel.
What is the most thoughtful gift anyone has given you?
The people in the parish who bring back key chains (I have a collection) from various shrines in Mexico, meaty tamales and a delicious pot of pozolé.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next 25 years?
I hope to accomplish a deeper sense of God who is truly present with me.
What is your favorite phrase?
“To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising against the disorder of the world.” (Karl Barth)
What is your favorite verse from Scripture?
“The Lord has shown you what is good; to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God” (Micah 6:8).
What are you passionate about?
To prepare and deliver a good homily that will challenge not only people in the pew but that will challenge me to grow. I also love to read.
What is one of your favorite memories?
One favorite memory is the crown that I had commissioned that now hangs above the image of Our Lady of Guadalupe in our church. It was dedicated in memory of Rafael Encinas on Dec. 12, 2007, a young teenager who was gunned down at his place of work. His parents Ana and Ramon Encinas come every Sunday to Mass at St. Matthew. I only hope and pray that the crown about Our Lady gives them solace.
Fr. Michael J. Straley
Pastor: St. Paul Parish, Phoenix
Born: July 13, 1949 in Pomona, Calif.
Ordained: June 4, 1983, at the age of 33.
Education: St. Meinrad Seminary, Ind.
What drew you to the priesthood?
The Eucharist and service.
What keeps you going?
The Eucharist and people.
What is most challenging?
Definitely people.
Twenty-five years ago I never thought…
Life could be so varied and so rich.
What is your favorite book?
“Bread and Wine” by Ignacio Silone.
What is your favorite hobby?
Reading and going out to eat.
What is the most thoughtful gift anyone has given you?
Too many gifts to choose from.
What do you hope to accomplish in the next 25 years?
Whatever God has in store for me is fine.
What is your favorite phrase?
“God is good.”
What is your favorite verse from Scripture?
“I call you friends, because I have made known to you everything I have learnt from my Father” (John 15: 14-15).
What are you passionate about?
Peace and justice.
What is one of your favorite memories?
Meeting Pope John Paul II at the Vatican.
Compiled by Robert DeFrancesco
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