Manuel Reichart on priestly ordination - and what it means for his future in Peißenberg

Created: 05/19/2022, 02:00 p.m

By: Catherine Hauser

Since Manuel Reichart was ordained a deacon, he can also be recognized by his clothing as a Catholic priest.

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Manuel Reichart has been a deacon in Peißenberg for about a year.

He will soon be ordained a priest in Augsburg - in an interview he says how he sees the event.

Peißenberg – Last year, Manuel Reichart was ordained a deacon on May 1st.

Since then he has been active as such in the Peißenberg/Forst parish community.

The next step follows on Sunday, June 26, and Reichart is ordained a priest in the High Cathedral in Augsburg.

In an interview with the local newspaper, he explains how he is looking forward to this event.

What were your tasks in the parish community as a deacon in the past year?

Manuel Reichart:

After my ordination as a deacon, the main new tasks were that I was allowed to baptize and preach on Sundays, I could hold funerals and assist at weddings.

That was new.

Otherwise, I have previously worked in the parish.

What has changed for you personally since you were ordained a deacon?

Manuel Reichart:

For me personally, it was definitely a small turning point in my life.

It's a different way of life than a deacon.

The fact that from then on you dress differently than before, everyone can see that.

Suddenly you become a public figure.

I had made the decision to become a priest long before that, but from then on it will be visible to all by wearing the collar shirt.

Was that strange for you?

Manuel Reichart:

When I got up on the first day after the consecration and put on my collar shirt, it was funny when I looked in the mirror.

But I got used to it relatively quickly.

And pretty soon I consciously put it on and wore it to be recognized as a Catholic minister.

Have you been approached about this?

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Manuel Reichart:

Yes, that happened.

For example, last year when I was on vacation, a man approached me at the airport and asked if I could pray for him.

He certainly wouldn't have done that if I hadn't had my collar shirt on.

Your training will end on June 26th and you will be ordained a priest.

How do you look forward to this day?

Manuel Reichart:

I look forward to being ordained a priest.

I prepared myself well and long for this day and during this preparation I grew even deeper into my faith.

For me this is the end of my training, but for me the ordination primarily marks the beginning of my time as a priest.

I'm looking forward to that too.

Will you then remain in Peißenberg?

Manuel Reichart:

No, my time in Peißenberg will be over then.

I will then take up a chaplaincy position in another parish.

I don't know where I'm going yet.

On July 10th I will hold a farewell service in Peißenberg, which begins at 10 a.m. in front of the Tiefstollenhalle.

This is my first service as an ordained priest and my last in Peißenberg for the time being.

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