Winding road through politics and business culminated in the priesthood

Father Mark Knestout, pastor of St. Bartholomew Church in Bethesda, MD, has served as chaplain of the Washington, D.C., Chapter of Legatus for the past year. His late father was a deacon; his older brother, Bishop Barry Knestout, heads the Diocese of Richmond, VA.

Father Knestout was born the eighth of nine children of a devout Catholic family in the greater Washington, D.C., area. As a young man, he worked on Capitol Hill as a staff member for the National Republican Senatorial Committee, in “a more civil era when you could debate different sides of an issue during the day, and afterwards enjoy a friendly dinner with your opposition.”

He started his own company and was on a pathway “to become a rich man,” but opted for the seminary instead. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Washington in 1998 and has since served in a variety of roles, including as director of the Office of Worship.

Why did you decide to become a priest?

I felt unfulfilled in my professional career. I began attending daily Mass, seeing a spiritual director, and asking God what He wanted from me. I met with my brother priest, Barry, then a young parochial vicar at St. Bartholomew’s where I am now pastor. He encouraged me to enter the seminary. The archdiocese sent me to study in Rome, and I felt at home in seminary life.

How has your work in politics and business helped you as a priest?
It gave me the experience of talking with people from different perspectives on important issues. I can now speak to them about the joy, happiness, and truth that comes only from Christ.

It also helped me develop the skills to effectively manage a parish and school, and the ability to understand the challenges of my parishioners who have to go out into the working world and earn a living.

While at the Office of Worship you organized papal Masses for Pope Benedict and Pope Francis. What stands out?

Pope Benedict’s Mass in 2008 was the highlight of my priestly career. It was a beautiful, sunny day, and everyone was excited. Plácido Domingo sang. It all went flawlessly. 

In contrast, the rehearsal the day before Pope Francis’ Mass in 2015 was a disaster as we experienced heavy rain and thunder. Fortunately, the next day it cleared up, and we didn’t have any more major problems.

How do you like to prepare a good Sunday homily?

My homilies last from five to eight minutes, and I try to focus on one or two major points. I prepare by praying and reading a commentary on the text. I look for lessons that might apply to the everyday lives of my parishioners.
What are the greatest challenges and joys of the priesthood?

The greatest challenge is that as society becomes increasingly secular, many of our people are quasi-Catholic educated. When it comes time to receive the sacraments, many have to play “catch up” to understand what they are receiving. On the plus side, I love to see them catch up and become more active in their Faith. I also love the dynamic activity of parish life.

How is it having a brother who is a bishop?

He’s still just my brother. He was my boss for a time when I served in the Office of Worship. He is my confidante, and I am his.

How have you enjoyed Legatus?

I love its mission, helping its members grow in their spiritual lives. The events I’ve attended have been fantastic.