New priest aims to make local impact
Fr. Rettig says he feels at home in Lewistown
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LEWISTOWN -- The newest addition to Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish hopes to make an impact on the local community.
Fr. Peter Rettig, 28, is closing in on his first year working with the Parish. Originally from Waynesboro, Rettig describes himself as a "cradle Catholic," or someone who was born into the faith.
Rettig said he was raised with German Catholic roots and stayed in his faith due to family troubles.
"It led me to embrace a relationship with God. From then on, I got to know God better," he said.
Despite being a Catholic himself, Rettig did not initially plan to become a priest -- at least not at first. In college at Louisiana State University, he studied International Relations and minored in Spanish, but said his life was changed forever during that time.
"I asked Saint John Vianney -- who is the Patron Saint of Parish Priest -- to pray for me. My girlfriend (at that time) told me that she had a dream that I was suppose to become a priest two nights in a row," Rettig said. "That was a key determining factor plus other powerful prayer experience. Every time I thought about the priesthood, I felt consolation in prayer."
After being ordinated by Bishop Ronald Gainer, of the Diocese of Harrisburg, Rettig was assigned to come to Lewistown and was given the title of Parochial Vicar (Assistant Pastor) under Fr. William Weary. But before he sent out on this journey, Rettig remembers the joy on his family's faces when it was completed.
"Both my mother and father were in tears," Rettig continued. "My father tried (to enter the priesthood) many years ago, but ultimately decided it wasn't for him. But he was extremely proud to see me become minster."
With it nearly being a year since moving to Lewistown, Rettig recalls coming here for the first time.
"Honestly, I feel at home here," Rettig said. "Lewistown reminds me a lot of Waynesboro. A huge learning experience on how to bring souls closer to Christ and how to help run two parishes at the same time."
Rettig hopes to be able to show others that there is always hope in Jesus Christ.
"To win as many souls for Christ as possible!"
Much like in the Lewistown parish, Rettig is also the Parochial Vicar in the St. Jude Thaddeus Parish in Mifflintown again under Father Weary. Though it may be a busy schedule, Rettig welcomes the challenges as he believes it is for the greater good of the community.
"It is a completely different experience," Rettig said. "But ultimately the same to me because again I want to help as many people come to Christ as much as possible."
Rettig said he is open to people of all faiths can come to Sacred Heart for help if needed. He wants to help change the perception of the Catholic Church and have all Christians come together in Jesus Christ.
"There are many misunderstandings about Catholics," Rettig said. "Especially in Central Pennsylvania, but know that we love Jesus like all other Christian and we love all of you as brothers and sisters in Christ."