Giving new meaning to "giving of oneself": Bishop-Elect Mark Seitz

Bishop-Elect Mark Seitz is one of the priests that the mainstream media won’t bother printing much about, I’m afraid. Preoccupied with scandal and sensationalism, you won’t find much there about the many selfless, godly priests who are to be found in our Church. And Father Seitz, who is to be ordained auxiliary bishop of Dallas on April 27, 2010, is certainly one of those.

According to this Catholic Herald news article, when Father Seitz became pastor of St. Rita Parish in Dallas, he met a parishioner named Carrie Gehling. Kidney damage caused by juvenile diabetes had led to kidney failure, and Ms. Gehling had been on dialysis for a dozen years. Still, her health was declining.

As he visited her, Father Seitz saw a need. “Sacraments brought her great comfort,” he said. “You wish you could do something else.”

And so he did, little realizing at the time where his efforts would take him. To quote him, “Priesthood is an adventure. When you put yourself at God’s service, you better fasten your seatbelt,” he said.

First he tried to arrange for her to go on a pilgrimage to France, but she was unable to do so. Father Seitz didn’t stop there, either. He arranged for her to be flown to Our Lady of San Juan Shrine by a fellow parishioner who is a pilot. He celebrated Mass and anointed her there.

Still, her health continued to fail, and it became apparent she would need a kidney transplant.

A search for potential donors began. The future bishop responded by saying “How could I ask parishioners to donate if I’m not willing to offer?” He was tested – an involved process – and was found to be a suitable donor. His response? Well, as he later said: “…the pastor’s job is basically to lay down his life for his people. This was certainly not giving the ultimate gift, but this is something I could share if I had the opportunity.”


And so on November 10, 2009, he did just that, donating his kidney to Gehling. Since that time, she has not required dialysis and “feels better than she has since she’s in high school”.


As to his future as Auxiliary Bishop of Dallas, Father Seitz has this to say: “God will use me and the Holy Spirit will supply what I’m lacking. I hope I can bring my love of parish community life to this work and have a good connection with the people I serve,” he said.


Read this article to learn about another priest whose story was glossed over by the popular press. And for additional information about organ donation, go here.