Father Burkot, your “yes” to the priesthood carries so much weight because of everything that came before it. The years you spent as a catechist, the way you stepped in for your family, caring for your sister and helping raise her children — that kind of lived love and responsibility shapes a person at the core. It’s clear those experiences didn’t just prepare you for ministry; they formed the compassionate, grounded priest you are today at St. Paul of the Cross. There’s something deeply authentic about a vocation that grows out of real sacrifice and service. Thank you for answering that call and for bringing your whole life experience into your priesthood — it truly shows.
Sam