The following story first appeared in the Autumn 2006 Glenmary Challenge.
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The Title 'Father' Said It All
'Our challenge: to touch the lives of others—just like my St. Louis pastor touched mine.'
Father Dan Dorsey

TOUCHING LIVES: For nine years, Father Dan reached out as pastor in Monticello, Ark.

On a morning in late spring I received a phone message from a friend I’ve had since first grade: “Father died.” Hearing those two words I knew a significant figure had passed from my life: Msgr. Jasper J. Chiodini, who had been a constant presence throughout most of my 55 years.

I grew up in south St. Louis and attended St. Dominic Savio Parish from the day it was founded in 1956. A group of us who attended the parish school in those early years formed a friendship that has lasted to this day. We call ourselves “the Dom Boys of ’65” (the year we graduated from grade school).

For the Dom Boys of ’65, no last name was ever needed when we talked about Msgr. Chiodini. The title “Father” said it all. And, for us, there would always be only one “Father.” He was there on the very first day I attended grade school in 1958 and when I graduated in 1965.

His wisdom and guidance saw us through the challenging years of grade school, high school and college. But I don’t think he ever fully appreciated the depth of his impact on our lives.

For me personally, Msgr. Chiodini was a wonderful model of what a priest could and should be. He was a towering figure who, for my first eight years in school, handed me every report card and gently but firmly reminded me I could improve (especially those nagging marks in conduct). He gave me my First Holy Communion, and was there when I was confirmed at St. Dominic. When my dad died in 1972, he consoled my family and celebrated the funeral Mass. He preached at my first Mass in 1978 at St. Dominic—and also at my 25th anniversary Mass in 2003.

In the row directly behind me at his funeral Mass sat the other four members of the Dom Boys of ’65 and their wives. We are all now gray and well into middle age. I smiled. Over the years Msgr. Chiodini had fretted over our spiritual well being—and here we were all in church! On that Wednesday, surrounded by my childhood friends, I knew he would continue to watch over and pray for the Dom Boys of ’65.

As I drove back to Cincinnati that same day, I reflected on his influence in my life—and how fortunate I had been to grow up in a Catholic area like St. Louis. What a contrast to the mission areas where Glenmary serves—where many people have never even met a Catholic let alone a priest or a brother, sister or Catholic church worker.

Waiting for me upon my return home that day from the funeral was a letter that fit right in with my earlier reflections. It said: “There is no way that the parishioners of St. Mark can adequately thank you, Father Chet and all the priests and brothers that helped us get to this point in our parish life. My heart is heavy but then I know that you will help other struggling churches. May God’s love and peace be with you.”

You see, after over 30 years Glenmary’s work was complete at St. Mark in Monticello, Ark. It was time to move on to another mission challenge. Our missions in Monticello and Warren were returned to the Diocese of Little Rock on July 1.

In prayer that night, as I reviewed the events of the day, a common thread emerged: Whether it is through an individual, like Msgr. Chiodini, or a community, like Glenmary, our ability as Christians to influence and affect the lives of others is one of the greatest responsibilities and gifts we have been given. I am deeply thankful for how Msgr. Chiodini has touched my life and I am proud of how Glenmary missioners continue to influence and touch the lives of the forgotten and neglected in the mission areas of the United States.