My name is Father Mike Young and I am a newly minted priest for the Diocese of Venice. It is truly an honor and privilege to be serving at St. John XXIII Catholic Church here in Fort Myers. I am looking forward to getting to know the parishioners here.
Amazingly, my seminary is also named for St. John XXIII. It specializes in preparing older and second career vocations for the priesthood. Further, it is grounded in the teachings and spirituality of the Second Vatican Council. My experience there was priceless.
Prior to pursuing my vocation to the priesthood, I served in the military and enjoyed a career in law enforcement that found me serving at municipal, county, state, and Federal levels. Serving in the military and later in law enforcement, afforded me invaluable experience in dealing with people in a variety of diverse situations. As I look back, I can clearly see how God was forming me to one day serve in the Priesthood of Christ.
Again, it is an honor and a privilege to be serving here at St. John XXIII Catholic Church and as a novice priest, I still have much to learn. I am excited about this serving and learning as it will enable me to get to know the parishioners here all the better. Please know that all of you will remain in my prayers and I ask that you pray for me as well. Thank you.
Your brother-in-Christ,
Fr. Mike
