Fathers Foertsch and Littlefield ordained as priests

Bishop John Folda ordained Father Robert Foertsch and Father Joseph Littlefield to the priesthood on June 4 at the Cathedral of St. Mary in Fargo. Families of the two new priests were on hand, along with several of their brother priests from the diocese to welcome them both as a “priest forever in the order of Melchizedek” (Heb. 7:17).

In his homily during the solemn ordination Mass, Bishop John Folda reminded those gathered that Jesus himself calls his chosen to the priesthood and religious life.

“The Church teaches us that the entire holy People of God is made a royal priesthood in Jesus Christ,” said Bishop Folda. “But Jesus, the Great High Priest, chose certain of his disciples to exercise a public priestly office in his name. ‘It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.’ The call to priesthood is and always will be a mystery. There are some who know from an early age that they are called to be priests, and then there are others who become aware of this call years later. In either case, ‘It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you.’ These words of Jesus to his apostles are spoken just as truly to every priest.”

Father Foertsch will begin his new duties as a priest of the diocese as parochial vicar at Sts. Ann and Joachim Church in Fargo, while Father Littlefield has been assigned as parochial vicar at St. Joseph’s Church in Devils Lake. Shortly before their ordinations, New Earth asked each new priest about their backgrounds, and how they completed their journey to the priesthood.

Father Robert Foertsch

Where are you from? Who are your parents and siblings?

I grew up near Wyndmere on a small town farm. My parents still farm there. I have two brothers and two sisters all residing in North Dakota or Minnesota.
 
What kind of support for your vocation did you receive from family and friends?
 
My family and friends have been very supportive of my vocation, especially in prayer. They have been patiently cheering for me for a long time now. 

When did you first hear the call to the priesthood? When did that call become more real to you?
 
Perhaps I considered the priesthood as a child, but I quickly ignored it. It wasn’t until I graduated from college and began working that I started to finally ask the question, “What should I do with my life?” At that point I became more involved with the faith and following Jesus.
 
What was your most memorable experience in seminary?
 
I will always have fond memories of playing cribbage and eating ice cream with the men of the propaedeutic house in St. Paul.
 
What are your thoughts/feelings leading up to your ordination?
 
I have a remarkable amount of peace and am excited with what the Lord has planned next. 

What are you most looking forward to as you begin your ministry?

I look forward to sharing the Gospel and preaching about the resurrection of Christ to the good people of Fargo.

What advice do you have for others discerning their vocation to priesthood/religious life/marriage?

Too often with regards to vocational discernment people get caught up in the question: What am I supposed to do? And then they get lost trying to figure out whether they should do this or that. Instead, focus on discipleship. Am I a disciple of Jesus Christ and how do I grow in that today? Our relationship with the Lord is to be at the center of everything.


Father Joseph Littlefield

Where are you from? Who are your parents and siblings?

I’m from Hatton, ND. My parents are Mike and Peggy Littlefield. My siblings are Amy, Michael, and William Littlefield.

What kind of support for your vocation did you receive from family and friends?

I received a lot of positive support for my vocation to the priesthood from all my family and friends from a young age.

When did you first hear the call to the priesthood? When did that call become more real to you?

I first heard my call to the priesthood when I was 14 years old. My call became a lot more real my first semester of seminary at Sacred Heart in Detroit.

What was your most memorable experience in seminary?

One of my most memorable experiences in seminary was wearing one of my infamous trucker hats underneath my alb during my deacon ordination without anyone noticing.

What are your thoughts/feelings leading up to your ordination?

I am really excited and relieved to finally be ordained to the holy priesthood of Jesus Christ. I feel like it has been such a long time coming, but it hasn’t quite fully sunken in yet. However, I’m currently experiencing a lot of peace and joy.

What are you most looking forward to as you begin your ministry?

I’m really looking forward to celebrating the Mass with the holy people of God. I’m also very much looking forward to being part of the St. Joseph Catholic Church’s community in Devils Lake.

What advice do you have for others discerning their vocation to priesthood/religious life/marriage?

My advice to others discerning their vocation is to be really open in trying to follow the Lord’s will for your life. Simply ask him to reveal to you what your vocation is in prayer, and he will eventually make it clear. And once you find out what your vocation is be courageous in following after the Lord.