TAYLORSVILLE — Thirty-five years ago on Feb. 21, 1981, Father James Byer was ordained a priest of the diocese by Bishop Michael J. Begley, the first bishop of the Diocese of Charlotte, at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte.
A native of Ohio, Father Byer attended Mount St. Mary's Seminary in Emmittsburg, Md., and learned of a need for priests for the mission Diocese of Charlotte through a friend. He has served at 10 parishes in the diocese, first at St. Gabriel Church as a parochial vicar and currently as administrator of Holy Trinity Mission in Taylorsville.
The Catholic News Herald recently asked Father Byer to share about his journey to the priesthood and his experiences over more than three decades of serving the Church:
CNH: When did you first discern that you were called to the priesthood?
Father Byer: I grew up in a Catholic parish, Sts. Peter and Paul Church of the Polish heritage in a suburb of Cleveland, Ohio. I began serving in my home parish when I was in the sixth grade. The sister in charge of the altar boys was especially helpful and affirming in her training program. Also, my pastor was an inspiration to me, to the degree of my attributing him as the seed of my vocation to the priesthood.
CNH: What are some of your favorite assignments you have had over the past 35 years?
Father Byer: Two assignments stand out in my memory: First, as parochial vicar at St. Ann Church in Charlotte. At one point of my stay at St. Ann's, I was given the additional assignment of living with (at the time) our retired Bishop Michael J. Begley, who lived very close by. I thought it a blessing to live with the bishop who ordained me and travel with him, as his master of ceremonies, as he celebrated confirmations in our diocese. Second, when I was in residence at St. Philip the Apostle Church in Statesville. The people were wonderful to me and I became good friends with a few families of the parish. While at St. Philip's, I considered myself graced and blessed.
CNH: What do you enjoy most about your priestly ministry?
Father Byer: Number one on my list is celebrating the sacraments of the Church. The sacrament of the Holy Eucharist is most special to me. The sacrament of penance offers any priest the opportunity to bond with and try to heal souls who need God's grace and forgiveness in their lives. All sacraments are wonderful opportunities for priest and parishioner alike to unite themselves closer to God and grow together as members of the family of the Church.
CNH: What are some of the biggest lessons you have learned over the past 35 years?
Father Byer: I have learned the importance of the virtue of humility. Staying dependent upon the Lord as a fragile human being myself, so as to identify with the fragility of the people of God. I have also learned the need for forgiveness in my own life so that I can offer the forgiveness of God with a greater sensitivity to the people I have been called to serve.
CNH: What advice would you give to a man discerning a vocation to the priesthood?
Father Byer: As you grow in maturity, try to balance the idealistic aspects of your understanding of the priesthood with the realities that you face on an everyday basis. The two aspects may bring you joy or may present a challenge to you. Be faithful to and constant with your own personal prayer life. Offer your services to the people you serve with honesty, respect, forgiveness and love all throughout your priestly ministry.
— SueAnn Howell, senior reporter