Chaplain is the son of ‘a true St. Monica’

Father Daniel Oschwald is chaplain of Legatus’ newly formed Raleigh (NC) Chapter. He is a priest of the Diocese of Raleigh who serves as administrator of Mother Teresa Catholic Mission and chaplain of the diocesan Cardinal Gibbons High School. He has served in many capacities in the diocese, including secretary to the bishop, assistant vocations director, and director of priest education. He also has served at several parishes, including as rector of Holy Name of Jesus Cathedral.

Tell us about your road to the priesthood.

I was a late vocation. I grew up in a Catholic family in Santa Fe, NM, one of 11 children. But I had left the Church as a young adult. I was enjoying a successful career in banking and living in North Carolina, though something was missing. I felt a sense of emptiness.

My mother was sick, so I went to visit her. I was impressed that although she was ailing, she had a sense of peace. I asked her why, and she said it was because of her faith.

That prompted me to return to the Church, enter an RCIA program, and relearn my faith, which I really did not understand in my younger years. I became friendly with a pastor, and he encouraged me to think about the priesthood. I thought he was nuts. But I ended up following his advice and was ordained a priest on June 28, 1998.

What would you tell parents trying to help their children stay in the Church?

I encourage them to follow the example of my mother and never give up on their children. She was a true St. Monica for me; I witnessed the joy and peace her faith brought to her. She did not shame or guilt me back to the Church but pointed the way by words and actions.

What insight would you offer a young man considering the seminary?

There are many challenges today for a young priest. He is expected to do much more than priests were 25 years ago. Our numbers are fewer, so we require a greater skill set. You may be the only one at a parish and must serve as money manager, personnel manager, and weekend manager. You also have to be able to work independently and be able to function — in fact, thrive — while you’re on your own.

What are the greatest rewards and challenges you’ve experienced in your priesthood?

I am a people person, and my most rewarding experiences have been getting to know the many fine parishioners I’ve met. So many people have been faithful, kind, and considerate — they’ve helped sustain me and helped me grow in my faith.

The greatest challenge has been related to witnessing the priest scandals of recent years and having known men who have been accused of such things. This situation has led the world to look down its nose at the priest; it has rattled many cages and made it hard to stay hopeful and faithful. It has not, however, caused me any regrets about entering the priesthood.

What impressions have you had of Legatus?

I have found its members to be dedicated, hardworking men and women doing their best to serve the Church. It will be my great privilege to provide the Raleigh Chapter with spiritual support by encouraging its members and helping give them a sense of mission for the Church, especially in the workplace. Not only do I want to be of service to them, I know they will help me grow in my faith as well.