The example of faithful and joyful priests showed Father Christopher Jeffrey Bethge, 25, what true priesthood and fatherhood is, enabling him to discern his own vocation.
Born and raised in Sacred Heart parish, East Glendale, he attended the parish school; Cathedral Prep Seminary, Elmhurst; Cathedral Seminary Residence, Douglaston; and St. Joseph Seminary, Yonkers, N.Y.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from St. John’s University, Jamaica, and earned his master’s degree in theology and master of divinity degree from St. Joseph Seminary.
He received his bachelor of sacred theology degree from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, Rome.
As a seminarian, he spent summers serving at the parishes of St. Kevin, Flushing, and St. Sebastian, Woodside, where he was inspired by the faith and love of both the clergy and parishioners, and enjoyed ministering with the altar servers.
He served his diaconate year at St. Paul-St. Agnes, Cobble Hill, where he practiced his Spanish-language skills and preached in Spanish almost every weekend. Three Spanish-language immersion trips to Costa Rica with other seminarians rounded out his pastoral preparations.
Different People, Clear Signs
Looking back on his path to the priesthood, Father Bethge said, “God really worked in my life through different people, but in very clear signs.”
First among the people God sent to guide his path was his mother Theresa, who worked hard to raise her five children and give them a Catholic education as a single parent.
“She’s my hero,” said Father Bethge, who has two older and two younger siblings.
In his youth, he gravitated toward the church, where he had a desire to not only participate, but also serve.
“I was an altar server twice,” he said, laughing, “and I quit both times.”
Early morning Masses were not his strong suit, but he found his niche assisting in the rectory, where he had a “beautiful experience” observing Father John Fullum, pastor and father figure to so many people.
“He’s a very holy man, very unassuming, never looking for position or honors, but always there for the people, day in and day out,” he said.
At Cathedral Prep, he met Father John Cush, who challenged him to seriously consider a priestly vocation.
“Father Cush took the time every day to ask, not in a generic way, but very specifically, ‘Are you thinking about the priesthood? Could God be calling you?’
“If that question doesn’t get asked, the call can’t be answered,” Father Bethge said.
Accepting God’s call meant putting other hopes, desires and dreams – even pipe dreams – aside.
“I always thought I’d be first baseman for the New York Yankees. I had my number all picked out: 26. Because (Don) Mattingly was 23, (Tino) Martinez 24, (Jason) Giambi 25 and it was going to be Bethge 26. But the Lord had other plans.”
Real Possibility
It was not until he arrived in Douglaston that priesthood became a “real possibility” in his life. And by the time he entered Dunwoodie, he knew he was called to give his life in service to Christ and His Church.
“It’s really a call from Jesus, who is your best friend, someone whom you love. You want to do what He wants you to do with your life,” he said.
Father Bethge says he aspires to be “just a parish priest,” to be with his people at all times, through every aspect of their lives.
Following the example of his many role models, including Fathers Joseph Gancila, Fred Marano and Joseph Fonti, he hopes to radiate love for Christ to all people.
His mother and siblings, John, Jennifer, Kenny and Samantha, as well as his grandfather Charles Pellicane, will attend his ordination.
Father Bethge will offer his first Mass of thanksgiving at his home parish of Sacred Heart Church on Sunday, June 28 at 12:30 p.m. There will be six altar servers from Sacred Heart, St. Kevin and St. Sebastian parishes serving at the Mass.
Related:
Pope Francis to Priests: Be Men of Tenderness
Bishop DiMarzio: New Priests Are Committed to Sacrifice