Friday, June 26, 2009

ST. MARYS DEANERY — Missionary of the Precious Blood Kevin M. Scalf was ordained to the priesthood June 13 at Immaculate Conception Church, Celina, by Bishop Joseph L. Charron, retired Bishop of Des Moines and also a Precious Blood priest.

During the same liturgy, Vincent Wirtner III, was ordained to the transitional diaconate.

“An ordination is God’s doing. It is God who has chosen you,” Bishop Charron told the two men during his homily. “Do not be afraid. The Lord is with you, walking with you in this ordination, and He will continue to walk closely with you. Be assured, the Lord will provide for you.”

Precious Blood Father Kevin Scalf, Bishop Joseph Charron, and Deacon Vincent Wirtner III. (Courtesy photo)

Prior to entering the formation program with the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, Scalf was a member of the religious studies faculty at the Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati.

During his preparation for the priesthood he volunteered at an aftercare center for women released from prison in Dayton; taught courses in the religious studies departments at the University of Dayton and Calumet College of St. Joseph; served as a chaplain intern at an urban Chicago hospital; served as instructor and formator for deacon and lay ecclesial ministry students within the Diocese of Gary; volunteered as a campus minister at the University of Illinois, Chicago; and was a member of the theology faculty at a Catholic graduate seminary in Tanzania, Africa.

“God has not chosen one who is perfect but one who has been called,” Father Scalf said. “It is not a call to honor in itself but a call to a Christ-centered service.”

Father Scalf s earned a master of arts degree in theology from Xavier University, Cincinnati, a master of arts in Biblical studies from the Athenaeum of Ohio / Mount St. Mary’s Seminary, and a master of arts in divinity from Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.

The son of Hal and Phyllis Scalf of Cincinnati, he is a 1993 graduate of Elder High School and a 1997 alumnus of the College of Mount St. Joseph. He will join the religious studies faculty at St. Joseph’s College, Rensselaer, IN, and serve as the college chaplain. St. Joseph’s College is sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood.

Deacon Wirtner is also a licenced practical nurse. He is a graduate of the University of Dayton and in 2010 will complete a master of divinity degree from Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He is the son of Vincent and Charlyne Wirtner of Fort Wayne, Ind.