‘A pastor is close to his people,’ says Genesis chaplain

Until he first became a parish priest nearly 10 years ago, Monsignor Michael Billian regarded Legatus’ Genesis Chapter essentially as his parish.

“That was my regular community,” said Monsignor Billian, 62, a priest of the Diocese of Toledo who spent his first 27 priesthood years in a variety of roles including diocesan vicar general and chancellor.

Today, as pastor of St. Joseph Church in Sylvania, Ohio, Monsignor Billian still serves as chaplain of the Genesis Chapter. He recently spoke with Legatus magazine.

How is the Genesis Chapter doing?

The chapter has continued to entice a lot of people to have interest in Legatus. We’ve had a heavy concentration of members in the Toledo area, but really our territory is the whole Diocese of Toledo, which covers 19 counties. We’ve always had a few here and there, but we’re beginning to make inroads into other areas within the diocese. That’s very promising.

How have the last 10 years been as a parish priest?

At first, I was made pastor of two parishes: a standard family city parish with a grade school, and a parish at the University of Toledo. They were two very different parishes, but wonderful experiences. After seven years, the bishop asked me to take on the largest parish in the diocese. We have more than 10,000 registered members and a big school. I’ve been here two years. It’s a wonderful community.

When did you first have an inkling that you were called to be a priest?

In grade school. After eighth grade, I went to the seminary for high school, college, and theology training. It wasn’t dramatic or any lightning bolt. I was impressed with the priests I had encountered. And I had other people telling me, “You ought to think about being a priest.“ I’ve been a priest for a little over 36 years and am absolutely in love with my vocation.

How did the pandemic impact your priestly ministry?

Celebrating the sacraments without a congregation was challenging. My best friend for two-and-a-half months at the liturgy, when public Masses were suspended, was the camera mounted on the back wall of the church. It‘s still a challenge today to not be in close contact with my people: I call them on the phone, and see them at a distance now. But generally, a pastor is close to his people. That hasn‘t been very possible lately. I don’t get to make as many rounds to shut-ins or people in the nursing home. That’s why it’s good to get back to some normalcy, even if it‘s still reduced.

What value do you see Legatus having for its members and the Church?

When you look across the diocesan boards and councils, they’re significantly populated with Legates. There are many members in my parish as well, and they’re the leaders of our parish. They have a strong effect on parish and diocesan life. I believe the time they spend together helps nourish them for doing that. To be able to have the time to pray together, to be strengthened in their personal relationship with each other, and to have great speakers who motivate us to take Christ into the marketplace is a blessing. That blessing overflows from the members to their parishes and to the diocese as well.

What advice do you regularly give to the Legates in your Chapter?

Do not be afraid to approach your chaplain. He doesn’t take the place of your pastor, but he can be a great help to you personally and for your chapter.