Father Timothy Reid laughs and talks with parishioners and well-wishers during a celebration of his 20 years of priesthood during a celebration held at St. Ann Church June 5. More than 450 people attended the event, which included a dinner held in the Allen Center at the parish featuring a wide variety of dishes prepared by parishioners. Special posters were set up featuring photos from Father Reid’s priesthood including his 17 years as pastor at St. Ann. (Photo by Christina Lee Knauss) CHARLOTTE Hundreds of people recently turned out to St. Ann Church to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the ordination of their pastor, Father Timothy Reid.
Originally from Indiana, Father Reid was raised in the Methodist faith but started a journey of conversion while in college. His study of Christian history led him to the Catholic faith – where he took the further step of becoming a priest in 2004. Seventeen of his 20 years of priesthood have been spent as pastor at St. Ann Parish.
Over those years, he’s developed a close relationship with his parishioners and others who have known him as a priest, evident in the numbers of people who turned out for the celebration.
Most were parishioners, but others drove from far corners of the diocese to wish him well.
After an evening Mass at the church, so many people lined up to speak to Father Reid that it took almost half an hour for him to be able to change out of his vestments and head into the adjacent Allen Center where a huge, joyful reception was in full swing.
Father Reid’s mother, Sharon Reid-Carlson, came from Indiana for the milestone occasion. At 84, she still works as a religion education teacher.
“His whole priesthood has been such a blessing to him and our family,” she said. “When he first became a priest I was worried because he would be far from his family, but I see such a beautiful family he has around him at St. Ann – and as a mother that’s the biggest blessing you could have.”
Debbie Mack and husband Tim live in Rock Hill, S.C., but travel each week to St. Ann Church for Mass. They knew Father Reid before he became a priest and attended his first Mass after ordination. He has presided at the weddings of two of their sons and baptized all six of their grandchildren.
“My heart is overflowing with happiness for him,” Debbie Mack said. “It’s so beautiful to see what he has done for this church. He teaches the beauty of the faith.”
Patricia Hartung of Charlotte said Father Reid lives out the true meaning of the priesthood.
“He truly is a spiritual father to each person he meets,” she said. “Your heart can’t help but be drawn to love the faith when you know Father Reid.”
After Mass, more than 450 people filled the parish hall for a lavish buffet spread, with much of the food prepared and provided by parishioners. Father Reid sat with his mother and other friends and family and talked to a steady stream of well-wishers.
“It’s invigorating to have been able to serve the Lord for 20 years,” Father Reid said. “I realize God has used me to help a lot of people, and I love the people I serve. And I realize there’s still a lot more work to do.”
— Christina Lee Knauss
What I’ve learned in 20 years as a priest
Twenty years of priestly service has taught me that priesthood is one of the greatest privileges a man can experience.
Offering Mass and celebrating the sacraments is as marvelous as it is mysterious, while witnessing God’s grace transform people – seeing them draw closer to Our Lord – daily deepens and enriches my faith. I’ve learned that no one is beyond God’s mercy, that God desires all of us to be saved, and that God’s grace is infinitely more powerful than our sinfulness.
The challenge for us priests is to be constantly generous and humble so that God may use us as His instruments of grace, healing and mercy. There are certainly days that are challenging and exhausting, and situations that seem impossible and beyond my own capabilities to handle. Yet, if I persevere in trying to do God’s will, our Lord always steps in to do the heavy lifting. If I am generous with my time and willing to sacrifice for the people of God, then God never leaves me bereft of the grace necessary to accomplish what He asks.
If we just say yes to God, He works through us!
Priestly service has shown me that charity is paramount. God must be loved vigorously and above all else, which entails loving my fellow man as myself. In loving others, I’ve learned that most people have better intentions than their outward behavior often shows. I’ve learned that true charity consists in bearing with others’ faults and looking for the good in them, while also being mindful of my own sins and weaknesses.
Truly, the heart of a priest must be like our Lord’s own Sacred Heart: humble, constantly open to all, burning with love and willing to sacrifice for others.
Lastly, I’ve learned to speak the truth always but to do it with charity, that patience obtains all things, and that going the extra mile for others is its own reward.
It’s been my honor to serve in parishes, in our seminary and in our Catholic schools these past 20 years. I’m particularly grateful to my brother priests for their good example and to all the wonderful people it’s been my privilege to serve.
As I continue working in our Lord’s vineyard, I pray that I may do so in a way that pleases Him, renders Him honor and helps brings salvation to souls – for that’s all that really matters.
Father Timothy Reid is the vicar of education for the diocese’s Catholic schools and pastor of St. Ann Parish in Charlotte.