Rev. Patrick Reidy, C.S.C., ’08, ’13 M.Div.
We tend to evaluate the worth of our lives by the milestones we’ve achieved, but so much of life happens between the big moments. For Rev. Patrick Reidy ’08, ’13 M.Div., so many major life moments have happened at Notre Dame: applying to Moreau Seminary, taking his final vows, his ordination as a priest. But as he reflects on his priesthood, he finds that his greatest story of all lies in what’s happened in the quieter in-between times.
“These are the major events that have marked my vocational story thus far, but the interesting thing is that, between these moments and now beyond them, the discernment continues. For me, that has included continued studies, ministry, and teaching, often here at Notre Dame, but also in places as different as Uganda and Washington, D.C.”
We soon will celebrate the mystery of Christmas, where Jesus comes into the world as a helpless baby in a humble manger. But his story does not end there. He will have moments throughout his life where he will have to listen to the will of the Father and decide to follow it. Even in the stable, we think about how he will one day teach others in the temple as a young man, begin his public ministry and call his disciples, struggle with the weight of his mission in the Garden of Gethsemane, and finally give his life to save us all from sin. When we reflect on how Jesus answered the calling of his life each day, how might we be more faithful and courageous in living the lives and vocations God has entrusted to us?
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I really like this and would like to hear and see more!!!
The words in the reflection made me feel closer to the Trinity and especially Jesus with Christmas in less than two weeks. He touched on my emotional and spiritual connection to Jesus and my appreciation ofvGod’s sending and His coming. It gave me an overwhelming feeling of love itself, to the point of tears. Thank you for this beautiful moment. I pray I carry it thru the season.
beautiful.
Thank you for sharing your story Father.
Fr. Reidy….
You have a beautiful speaking voice and a servant’s heart. Your smile and calm manner are priceless..and so needed in today’s world.
God bless you.
…”countless moments of divine providence gently guiding me in love.” and might I add Joy. …….”these sacred moments are stitched together by grace and….” These two phrases from today’s video are impactful for me. I am appreciative of being able to be in this Community at this time.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful and inspiring story. My grandson will be hearing from Notre Dame tomorrow as to whether he will be accepted into next year’s class. When he was in 5th grade, he was asked to write his 3 goals in life. His first was to go to heaven, his second was to become a priest and the third was to become a major league baseball player. The third is definitely off the table, but the other two are still very possible. ND would be a great place for him.
Father. Thank you….Go IRISH!!!!
What a beautiful story. Thanks Rev. for answering the call. Just by looking at your beautiful smile, I can bet that you probably LOVE hearing Confessions the most.
Thank you Father Patrick. God be with you. ND’72. JD University of Washington ‘76.
Thank you Fr Patrick. That was beautiful.
I love that you highlight that it is in the smaller, magical moments of life we feel closer to God than in the major milestones. Bless you for answering the calls to your vocation.
Father Pete, I think I see you on the Notre Dame men’s basketball bench. Always fun to look for you and see you spiritually direction the young men of Notre Dame. I appreciate you sharing the interesting aspects of your life. Shake down the thunder, go Irish.
Thank you for sharing your calll to become a Holy Cross priest.
Remembering my senior year at Bishop Noll HS in Hammond Indiana and my introduction to Notre Dame.
My friend and I had to take Geometry our senior year to enter nursing school, ( only girls among sophomore boys). Father Fred Bach our former Latin teacher asked us to chauffeur him to ND home games so he could sit in backseat to read daily breviary.
His season tickets wer 60 th row of TD Jesus end zone.
We did the driving make a picnic lunch, visit the grotto, and see the team lose often under Q B Paul Hornung.
Most games.
Later I married a 53’ ND grad and all 4 of our children were grads in 84’, 85’, 87, and 89’ and we saw that last national championship in Tempe!
My Frank died in Feb. and his mass and internment in Cedar Grove cemetery was in June with Fr. Herb Yost CSC,):a dear friend) presiding.
Thank you for this beautiful reflection. It’s a powerful reminder that vocation is not defined only by milestones, but by the quiet, faithful choices made in between them. Rev. Reidy’s story echoes the deeper truth of Christian discernment: that listening, growth, and courage are ongoing practices, shaped over time and often in unexpected places.
Fr Reidy! Thanks for the beautiful message! Hope you are well! Great to see your face!
When my son was visiting Yale as a prospective student, we attended Mass and Fr. Patrick, who was a visiting professor, was the celebrant. It was vocation awareness week, so he shared his experience of being a Holy Cross priest and being at Notre Dame. It was one of those God moments that contributed to my son becoming a happy Domer. Thank you for so beautifully sharing your faith!
Hi Fr. Pat,
We last spoke after one of your weekday masses at St. Thomas More Chapel this past October. I shared that my son, Marty was classmates with your nephew? Niece? while he lived in Zahm (2010-2013). Anyway, I mentioned after mass that you were “exceptionally joyful” during the mass and it made me feel incredibly joyful too. Thanks for your strong witness in sharing your faith. It was a pleasure to attend mass with you and I hope to have more opportunities while I’m on campus. Merry Christmas and let the God’s love shine thru every day of the year.
Thank you for sharing your story.
Bless you Fr Patrick.
What an inspirational message. God touches us in so many ways. God bless you for accepting his call. Merry Christmas 🎄
What a great story, Father! Thanks be to God for your answer of Yes to His call!!