Name: Fr. William Meyer
Age: 84
Years ordained: 60
Current assignment: Retired, in residence at Our Lady of Victory Parish, Davenport.
How did you know you were being called to priesthood?
I had no visions, and no angel tapped me on the shoulder and said: “Bill, you are supposed to be a priest.” It seemed the idea was always there, mostly from serving Mass and seeing the priests of our parish doing all the parish work. Also, when I entered seventh grade, we got a new principal. She was the seventh and eighth-grade teacher. She suggested the priesthood, too. However, being of the Sisters of the Holy Cross, she hinted at that order. I told her I was thinking of maybe being a parish priest. Well, then I finished high school and college. All was going well. The bishop accepted me for seminary and here I am today.
Aside from your ordination Mass, what was your most memorable Mass?
Probably the anniversary Masses: 25, 40, 50 and 60th. However, wedding and funeral Masses were always special. Of course, every Mass is memorable.
What is most rewarding about being a priest?
Besides offering Mass, administering the sacraments is rewarding. Helping someone return to living the faith after being away for 50 years is rewarding. Working with people, helping anyone in need, sharing in their joys and sorrows, good times and bad times, is rewarding.
What is most challenging about being a priest?
By the same token, working with people, especially those who don’t want to be helped spiritually, is challenging. Then, too, you see all the hunger, homelessness, sickness, wars, violence, injustices, immorality, etc. You know there is a lot of work to be done on earth — but you keep working in hope to reach our true goal of heaven.
What is your favorite Scripture passage?
“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” Jesus shows us the way to our true heavenly home, gives us the help we need, gives us the necessary truths for our way and provides all the spiritual sustenance during this life, on our way to eternal life.
What is your hobby?
I have said at different times: “Tennis was my racket, but golf is my bag.” I also enjoy reading and traveling.
