Province News

Ordination 2002 Reflections: Chuck and Susie Kemph: Bill’s close friends from college
Monday, June 17, 2002

Chuck Kemph receives the Eucharist from Blanche O'Brien, Bill's mother, during the ceremony on June 8
As we reflect on Bill’s ordination, we can best relate to it in terms of our own marriage. Bill has shown so much commitment to his relationship with God, the Jesuit life and all of the sacrifices and responsibilities entailed, that it’s very clear he’s chosen to make a life-long commitment.

Marriage is filled with shared dreams and celebrations as well as the trials and demands of a daily partnership. One of the keys to making it through all of this is the freedom to be yourself along with the ability to reflect the love your partner has for you. Bill really brings his true self, as unique as it is, to this relationship and allows God to work through him. You can see in Bill that, although at times these choices are difficult to make, his commitment is with the Lord, and he is comfortable with the responsibility of serving God’s people.

It’s difficult, when talking about Bill, not to bring up his healthy appetite and love of good food. For that matter, it’s hard to understand his ability to consume so much food and still stay thin as a rail. In any case, food preparation (as well as how to clean up the mistakes) is often the topic of our discussions, especially when he talks with Susie. In fact, the planning of a meal sometimes goes on longer than the meal itself.

But as much as Bill enjoys eating, I think he enjoys preparing a meal for others even more. And that’s so indicative of how he lives his life -- with a real concern for others and a willingness to serve. We’ve shared many great meals with Bill along with a great and lasting friendship, and we feel very honored to be able to share this important event with him and his family.