On June 27, 2023, I celebrated my 10th anniversary as a priest in the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. Many experiences over the course of twenty-five years led to my ordination to the priesthood. It all began forty-three years ago on August 9, 1980. I became an Oblate brother when I took my First Profession of the vows of chastity, poverty, and obedience at Childs, MD. Upon graduation from Allentown College (BA in Theology), and LaSalle University (MA in Pastoral Studies), my high school teaching career began.
I had many wonderful years as a religious brother teaching at various schools Northeast Catholic High School (PA), Holy Name High School (PA), Bishop Ireton High School (VA), and Paul VI Catholic High School (VA). In the summer of 2000, I was transferred to Delaware to serve as the Assistant Principal for Activities and teach at Salesianum School. During that time, in 2003, Salesianum celebrated its 100th Anniversary. As part of this celebration, the Oblates established Nativity Preparatory School in Wilmington, DE and I was asked to be the founding principal. This was a highlight of my educational ministry - serving the children from the inner city of Wilmington. Once the school received its accreditation, I accepted a new position of Director of Formation for the Oblates and Director of the Campus Ministry program at Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School in Washington, DC. During these years I experienced several personal challenges—the deaths of three “best” friends—Fr. Rick Wojnicki, OSFS (2007), Fr. Angelo Maraldo, OSFS (2008), and Dr. Bea Hernandez (2010). Through my grieving process, the Holy Spirit led me to the call to become a priest.
Katie and Clif Tinsley and their children.
I had no idea on that 27th day of June what God had in store for me. First, I had the opportunity to lead the opening of our new joint formation house for the North American Oblate Provinces in Washington, DC. Secondly, I was chosen to be the chaplain for the Catholic community at St. Thomas More Oratory for the University of Delaware where I spent four years. That opportunity led me to the discernment to pursue ministry in higher education. Thirdly, I made the request to minister at the Oblates’ only Catholic college, DeSales University, in 2018. I was afforded the wonderful opportunity to be the Dean of Students, which started out as a great experience. But the pandemic came, university life changed, and I was left to rethink where I could best utilize my talents. That discernment led me to take a year to assist with the Oblates’ new parochial ministry at St. Thomas the Apostle Church in Glen Mills, PA where, along with the guidance of my then provincial, Fr. Lou Fiorelli, OSFS, we concluded that the ministry of pastor would be the best for my future. Lastly, the Oblates asked now-retired Bishop Malooly for an assignment for me in the Diocese of Wilmington which led me to St. Margaret of Scotland Church in Newark (DE).
My brother, Bill Ogden.
Being assigned to this parish has been one of the best experiences of my Oblate ministry. As pastor, I celebrate the sacraments and collaborate and walk with the parishioners. Weekend liturgies are full of energy, commitment of the parishioners, and openness to grow. These joyful liturgies have inspired my own personal journey. During my ten years of priestly ministry, I have walked with people, deeply in love, preparing for marriage, who want their commitment to be sacred. To witness the sacrament of Matrimony is a moment of pure joy and hope for our Church in the modern world.
As a priest, I get to walk with people during their most joyful moments and as they struggle with illness and grief. These are intimate and special privileges. When I walk with families grieving the death of a loved one, I am reminded of the importance of living in the present moment. My first funeral as a priest was for my brother Bill Ogden who died in 2014 after struggling with addiction. The funeral service was painful, sad, and the most difficult experience of my priestly ministry. Growth through this grief and experience has made me a more compassionate minister.
My journey to priesthood has been a journey of presence. Being present with others has been a profound grace of my ministry, which encourages me to remember the invitation of St. Francis de Sales: “Be who you are and be that well.”
Fr. Ed Ogden, OSFS
Pastor
St. Margaret of Scotland Parish, Newark, DE
