Jennifer Kern
Staff Writer

His current lesson in learning about the priesthood is allowing new associate pastor, Fr. Troy Przybilla, to get to know St. Peterís Catholic Church and the Forest Lake community.

Przybilla began his new position last month. Two days after arriving in Forest Lake, he was already getting acquainted with parishioners at the churchís ìDog on Uî picnic. Along with Fr. Donald DeGrood, Przybilla cooked and served hot dogs as he visited with those in attendance.

Przybilla is looking forward to his time in the community. Originally from Coon Rapids, He views Forest Lake as a solid location to continue his education in the priesthood.

ìItís a good fit for me,î he noted.

A higher calling

Przybilla describes his decision to become a priest was not as much a choice of his, but actually a calling by God.

ìIt wasnít as much about me,î he explained.

He entered the St. Paul Seminary for one year and took four years off to pursue other interests, including earning his pilotís license. He also wanted time to evaluate his study of the priesthood.

ìIt was a time of maturing,î Przybilla described.

After re-entering the seminary, he spent six years continuing his education and was ordained on May 28 at the Cathedral of St. Paul.

Learning experience

Przybillaís role as associate pastor is to take a hands-on approach in priesthood education.

Among his duties at St. Peterís, Przybilla celebrates Mass, answers phone calls from parishioners and hears Confession.

ìItís growing into the priesthood,î explained Przybilla, ìItís also an opportunity to assist the pastor.î

Przybilla looks to DeGrood for guidance as well.

ìHis role is to be a mentor for me,î he said.

Przybilla will spend the next few years as an associate pastor before leading his own congregation. During that time though, he said he hopes to become more acclimated to the area, getting to know parishioners and in particular, work with youth, senior citizens and those who are home bound.

Fr. Troy Przybilla may be contacted through St. Peterís Catholic Church at 651-982-2200.

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Forest Lake Times
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880 SW 15 St.
Forest Lake, MN 55025
651-464-4601
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