Comments on: Father Matt

By: Jessica R

Jessica R — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 21:57:32 +0000

My sister is going to become an ordained minister, so I can relate to a lot of this post. Congrats to Matt, and many blessings for your continued journey!

By: Donna H

Donna H — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 18:05:52 +0000

And I am humbly reminded to stop going into automatic defensive mode when I see a clerical collar (yes, I’ve developed a thick skin/shell) and notice the smile above it. That looks like someone who truly loves life! Hopefully, he’ll instill that love of life into many in his parish and beyond.

By: Matt Wetsel

Matt Wetsel — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 00:37:54 +0000

Kevin, Thank you so much for your kind words, I’m really touched by your column. That was very nice of you to do. I am also very fortunate to be your friend. You have been a loyal friend throughout our time together at Siena and beyond. Our common love of pro wrestling (i.e. “The Impact Players” pose in the above photo!)
and MMA has been a conversation starter over the years, but the bonds of friendship go way past that. You have shown me great courage in the face of some very challenging times during the course of your life, and I’m grateful for the example you have given me.

Many thanks to all of you for your generous praise and comments.
I value and treasure our friendships, you all mean a great deal to me.
Thank you for celebrating with the diocese, my family, and me this past weekend!

By: Gina G

Gina G — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 23:28:35 +0000

Matt truly is that type of person you described Kevin, full of joy and always able to make people laugh through whatever may be going on in their lives. He listens and does not judge, and just seems to have knack for bringing people together and bringing smiles to their faces. There was so much evidence of that this weekend with the people all in the same room who in the past may have had turbulent relationships coming together and putting it aside to celebrate Matt’s achievement. It is great to see how much we have all grown up, probably with some help from Matt of course! I don’t know where most of us would be without his advice, support and humor :)

By: Donald

Donald — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 20:26:27 +0000

That was a different lifetime for Royals players and fans. We’ll never again see a Royals-Cardinals World Series.

By: Kevin Marshall

Kevin Marshall — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:08:38 +0000

Fun fact: Matt’s middle name is no coincidence, it was given to him by his father after Hall of Famer and former Royal player George Brett.

By: Donald

Donald — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 18:01:01 +0000

Nice to see clergy of such character and personality coming along. Their denominational affiliation isn’t important; their ability to touch lives is. You are fortunate indeed to have a friend like this, and the things you can openly but civilly disagree on are a testimonial to both of you.

The Royals business clearly shows that Father Wetsel is a compassionate man who sticks up for the underdog, and that he has a wide quixotic streak in him.

By: Annie

Annie — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:57:45 +0000

What a wonderful post…how very lucky you are to have had (and have) him in your life. How fortunate is the Albany Diocese is to have such an amazing man in their midst.
Congratulations and blessings, Fr. Matt!

By: HopeFul

HopeFul — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:23:39 +0000

Kevin, what a wonderful thing to say about your friendship – “I’m a better man for having known Fr. Matt Wetsel”. Congratulations, Father. Nice post, Kevin.

By: Rose @Dozenroses13

Rose @Dozenroses13 — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:00:03 +0000

As Michael said we were at Fr. Matt’s 1st mass at Christ The King this past Sunday. I enjoyed his homily :) The parish he is going to in Saratoga is very lucky! Congratulations Fr. Matt!