Despite trying times for church, new priest holds firm to faith
In a year that’s been trying for the Roman Catholic Church, a Uniontown man who has just been ordained to the priesthood continues to believe in its worth. “I put my faith, my love and hope in God that he will guide the church in this difficult time,’ said the Rev. Douglas E. Dorula, 34, who was ordained June 1 by Bishop Anthony G. Bosco at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral in Greensburg.
“I pray for all of those who have been involved in this current crisis and pray that through the healing power of God they will be comforted,’ he said. “This is a challenging period in the United States for the Roman Catholic priesthood. I see it as a wonderful opportunity for everyone in the church to see that, despite human frailty and sin, the power of God stands tall.’
Rev. Dorula, the son of Walter and Gloria Dorula of Uniontown, was ordained with the Rev. William G. Berkey of Bradenville, Westmoreland County. The two men became priests in the Diocese of Greensburg in a year when the Roman Catholic Church faces scandal from clergy sexual misconduct, but also in a time when a priest shortage continues.
Interviewed this week at his home parish of St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Uniontown, Rev. Dorula explained how the priest shortage means he will spend a shorter time (probably less than five years) as a parochial vicar (an assistant to a pastor) before receiving his own parish. The shortage also means some priests are becoming responsible for two parishes, or being responsible for other duties as well as a parish.
“That’s why it’s so essential for me as well as other priests and the people to pray for and promote vocations to the priesthood,’ said Rev. Dorula. “If there was any time to support men when God is calling them to the priesthood, the year 2002 is the right time.’
Rev. Dorula noted that those answering the call to the priesthood today include young men as well as older men who have enjoyed careers in other professions. He, himself, left a career in communications to enter St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe in August 1995.
“I love radio dearly,’ said Rev. Dorula, a 1986 graduate of Laurel Highlands High School and a 1990 graduate of the Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor’s degree in radio and television broadcasting.
While in high school, Rev. Dorula worked as a disc jockey at WPQR in Uniontown, which was later purchased and had its name changed to Q99, as well as its sister station, WCVI in Connellsville.
When he discovered disc jockeys didn’t make much money, Rev. Dorula switched to sales, with the thought of later going into management. He eventually changed media to newspapers, working for The Weekender, as a telemarketer for the Herald-Standard and later in advertising with the Daily Courier in Connellsville, before he decided to enter St. Vincent Seminary in Latrobe.
Rev. Dorula likens his call to the Apostle Matthew, who left his position as a tax collector for Jesus.
“My call was similar to Matthew,’ said Rev. Dorula, who noted that Matthew is his confirmation name. “Jesus came to the work place and said, ‘Follow me.’ I left everything behind.’
Rev. Dorula’s family, including his older brother, Ronald, supported his decision.
“My parents are very supportive, my brother, my whole family did everything they could to help me persevere in my call to the priesthood,’ he said.
He first thought about becoming a priest as a youth but decided, “I could never do something so sacred and holy.’
Although living in Uniontown, Rev. Dorula and his family were members of St. Polycarp Church in West Leisenring, where his mother grew up. The family continued to belong there until 1994, when they decided they wanted to join a church in Uniontown and chose St. Joseph. Rev. Dorula credits the Rev. Alexander Pleban, pastor of St. Joseph, and the parishioners for giving him support throughout his preparation for the priesthood.
“St. Joseph parish family is the best,’ Rev. Dorula said. “All the people in whom I’ve had contact have all been great. They are holy, faithful, compassionate people of God.’
Likewise, Rev. Dorula also has kind words for the priests and people of the churches where he served internships. He completed a 14-month pastoral internship at Blessed Sacrament Cathedral Parish in Greensburg in 2001 and was ordained a deacon. This stint was followed by a yearlong deaconate assignment from St. Vincent Seminary to the Cathedral.
“People I have come into contact with in the last seven years have given me back 100-fold,’ he said.
Ironically, in a time of a priest shortage, Rev. Dorula becomes the sixth priest from St. Joseph Church serving in the Diocese of Greensburg. The others include the Rev. Joseph Sredzinski, the Rev. Thaddeus Kaczmarek, the Rev. Leonard Stoviak, the Rev. Terry Hercik and the Rev. William Lechnar.
In fact, Fayette County, as a whole, has many of its natives in the priesthood.
“The people of Fayette County should be proud of what they have done in promoting and supporting the priesthood,’ Rev. Dorula said.
In the days after his ordination, Rev. Dorula continues to wear a look of happiness and contentment.
“This is the happiest I have ever been in my life,’ he said. “I’m so at peace and fulfilled with God’s faith, hope and love. I look with so much hope to my future as a priest.’
Rev. Dorula expects to receive his first assignment in July.
“Wherever I go, I have found people who are holy, faithful servants of God and the church. I look forward to serving them and serving God, working in their lives to bring about the kingdom of God now.’
And he stressed the words he preached in his last sermon as a deacon to remember to have faith that’s filled with joy.
“Works can be done without joy and they are accomplished,’ Rev. Dorula said. “But if not done in the context of joy, we miss the big picture of what the church and God is all about.’