51November 2021 | | legatus.org
November 2021 | 52 | legatus.org
MEET THE JIM GRAVES CHAPLAIN Chaplain is the son of ‘a true St. Monica’ A LATE VOCATION AND ‘PEOPLE PERSON,’ RALEIGH’S FATHER OSCHWALD THRIVES IN WORKING WITH THE FAITHFUL FATHER DANIEL OSCHWALD My mother was sick, so I went to visit her. I was as money manager, personnel manager, and is chaplain of Legatus’ newly impressed that although she was ailing, she had weekend manager. You also have to be able to formed Raleigh (NC) Chapter. a sense of peace. I asked her why, and she said it work independently and be able to function — in He is a priest of the Diocese of was because of her faith. fact, thrive — while you’re on your own. Raleigh who serves as administrator That prompted me to return What are the greatest rewards and of Mother Teresa to the Church, enter an RCIA challenges you’ve experienced in your Catholic Mission program, and relearn my priesthood? and chaplain faith, which I really did not of the diocesan understand in my younger I am a people person, and my most rewarding Cardinal Gibbons years. I became friendly with a experiences have been getting to know the many High School. He pastor, and he encouraged me fine parishioners I’ve met. So many people have has served in to think about the priesthood. been faithful, kind, and considerate — they’ve many capacities I thought he was nuts. But I helped sustain me and helped me grow in my faith. in the diocese, ended up following his advice including secretary and was ordained a priest on The greatest challenge has been related to to the bishop, June 28, 1998. witnessing the priest scandals of recent years assistant vocations and having known men who have been accused director, and director of priest What would you tell parents trying to of such things. This situation has led the world education. He also has served help their children stay in the Church? to look down its nose at the priest; it has rattled at several parishes, including many cages and made it hard to stay hopeful as rector of Holy Name of Jesus I encourage them to follow the example of my and faithful. It has not, however, caused me any Cathedral. mother and never give up on their children. She regrets about entering the priesthood. was a true St. Monica for me; I witnessed the Tell us about your road joy and peace her faith brought to her. She did What impressions have you to the priesthood. not shame or guilt me back to the Church but had of Legatus? pointed the way by words and actions. I was a late vocation. I grew up in a Catholic family in What insight would you offer a young I have found its members to be dedicated, Santa Fe, NM, one of 11 man considering the seminary? hardworking men and women doing their children. But I had left the best to serve the Church. It will be my great Church as a young adult. I was There are many challenges today for a young privilege to provide the Raleigh Chapter with enjoying a successful career priest. He is expected to do much more than spiritual support by encouraging its members in banking and living in North priests were 25 years ago. Our numbers are and helping give them a sense of mission for the Carolina, though something fewer, so we require a greater skill set. You Church, especially in the workplace. Not only do was missing. I felt a sense of may be the only one at a parish and must serve I want to be of service to them, I know they will emptiness. help me grow in my faith as well. L November 2021 | 53 | legatus.org
November 2021 | 54 | legatus.org
November 2021 | 55 | legatus.org
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