So many people have been a part of my Priesthood, like threads forming a
magnificent tapestry. I often wonder what direction my life would have taken if I
hadn’t entered the seminary and journeyed to the Priesthood. Yet, I can’t imagine
being happier or more fulfilled in any other vocation. I am just amazed that I had
the sense to recognize God’s call and follow it. I can still hear my Mom’s
admonition as I was preparing to enter the seminary way-back in 1964: “Just make
sure this is what you want to do.” My entire family was taking my entering the
seminary and possibly the Priesthood seriously. I had better take it seriously and do
my best. Throughout these 30 years I have tried to do just that.
Some might consider the life of a priest to be one of complete sacrifice and

suffering. I tried to convey that image to my family for many years and, at first it
worked. But, as time went by and they began to notice how happy I was and how I
just didn’t seem to be starving or deprived, they began to get the true picture. It all
came to a head when celebrating my 25th anniversary at Mary, Mother of God,
Church in Hempstead and the parish present me with a new truck. Even some of
my fellow priests who thought of me as not very successful, being ‘stuck’ in small or
not-so-prestigious parishes, had to re-evaluate their opinion of ‘Kucera’. As Fr.
Kelly was wont to point out so often during our 14 or so years together, “You always
seem to fall into it.” And I definitely have.

I am now definitely the envy of every priest in the Diocese. A new truck
when celebrating one’s 25th anniversary is one thing. Another new truck when
celebrating one’s 30th anniversary is unheard of, until now. When the word
eventually spreads throughout the Diocese and becomes the topic of conversation
among priests, I know I’ll be receiving envious looks at priests’ meetings and
remarks like ‘Not again!’. I am still stunned at receiving again a new vehicle by
parishioners who I am so fortunate God has placed in my care as pastor. The
question has always been who is caring for whom. These 30 years have convinced
me that it is you, the faithful, who have taken such good care of me and made this
‘job’ a real pleasure.

When the discussion arose about getting me a new truck because of the
mileage on my old truck, I was kinda embarrassed. Everyone has been so
welcoming and kind since my arrival almost 4 years ago. Just being in such a
wonderful community, surrounded by parishioners who have been so receptive and
cooperative, is itself a gift. Priest friends get tired of my raving about how good I
have it and how much we are accomplishing. So, when this truck thing came up, I
thought I’d just wait and see if it would really come to pass. I wasn’t really sure
how the funds would be raised until I saw a flyer which, I have to admit, I tried not
to read too closely. Again, I was a little embarrassed, knowing that I really didn’t
deserve such thoughtfulness. I eventually discovered that a mailing had been sent to
parishioners and friends of the parish, far and wide. Even the gang at Shelby Store
got the flyer. I can only remark again how blessed I am to have friends who are
more like family. On one occasion I was politely asked to ‘hurry home’ while a
meeting of store regulars considered their donation to Fr. Ed.’s truck. I am still in
disbelief of everyone ’s generosity. I was told that there was one oversight in the
mailing. Since all who receive a bulletin were part of the mailing list, the Bishop
also got the flyer. I haven’t checked if he sent a response. He’ll probably comment
at our next priest’s meeting on March 28th. Anyway, the thought of so many
responding and responding so generously will never be forgotten in my prayers of
thanksgiving to God. I am humbled at His goodness in giving me such a wonderful
family of friends.

I originally thought of getting the truck and showing it off at the time of my
anniversary, April 14th. However, the outcry was that everyone was looking for the
new truck in the driveway or on the road and worried that the old truck would
break down and I’d be stranded. April 14th was too far away. We had to search for
the new truck, pronto.

I have had a Ford truck and several Chevy trucks, pleased with them all. I
was asked if I had ever considered a Dodge. I never had, though I promised I would
go and look. Well, I was very impressed and seriously inclined in that direction.
Knowing little about the Dodge truck, I asked around. The overwhelming response
was stick with a Ford or Chevy. There don’t seem to be too many Dodge guys
around these parts. Depending on the recommendation and expertise of
knowledgeable truck owners, I decided on what I have experience of: the Chevy.
I hope all will be pleased with the choice. The color is an almond brown. It is a
super cab with the second door. It will be very difficult to give up my ‘98 black
Chevy which has served me so well. It is now approaching 195,000 miles, the best
miles being those which brought me from Waller County to Grimes and
Montgomery Counties. Unlike receiving such a spectacular gift of my truck for my
25th anniversary and the next year being transferred to St. Mary/St. Joseph, I intend
to put on all the mileage here . Hopefully, my 40th anniversary will find it sitting in
the drive way, a familiar landmark to all.

Yes, some pastors are more blessed than others. I am fortunately one of the
most blessed. When studying in the seminary, I would pray that I was making the
right decision and that God would bless my Priesthood. My dreams of being a
happy priest would always revolve around the people God would call me to serve. I
would never have dared to dream of the kind of happiness with which God has
showered me. It would have been presumptuous. It just goes to show that God not
only answers prayers, but does so in dramatic and unexpected ways.

A sincere Thank You to all who gave so generously so that I might have
‘wheels’. Please know that when I open the door, turn on the engine and put my
foot on the excelerator, I acknowledge God’s goodness and your generosity and
pledge myself even more to be a good pastor, using this vehicle to serve you.