Two of the diocese’s newest priests discuss what priesthood has been like so far

	Father Joselito Vibandor, parochial vicar of St. Anthony Parish in Sacramento, teaches religious education to fourth graders as part of his ministerial duties.

What does a newly ordained priest do?

“A little bit of everything,” Father Vincent Juan said with a laugh.

He and Father Joselito “Boyet” Vibandor, who this month will celebrate the anniversary of their ordinations, recently shared thoughts about their first year as parish priests in the diocese.

Father Juan reeled off a quick list of the activities that have crowded his days since he became the parochial vicar of St. Clare Parish in Roseville following ordination at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament on May 26 last year.

Focusing on starting a youth ministry program, he initiated Sunday afternoon meetings three times a month, plus a youth Mass and choir on Sunday evenings. He is involved with preparing parishioners for the sacraments of marriage, baptism and first reconciliation.

“At St. Clare everything is new,” he said.

The church was built in 2002 to serve the burgeoning Placer County population. Father Colin Macdonald is the pastor.

Rather than being daunted by the task of helping to establish a nascent parish, Father Juan finds working from the ground up an invigorating challenge.

“When I encounter new things I try to have an open mind,” he said. “As the church grows, I hope to grow with it.”

A native of Quezon City in the Philippines, he received a bachelor’s degree in classical philosophy at San Carlos Seminary in Makati City before coming to California in 1998 to study at St. Patrick’s Seminary in Menlo Park. He spent his pastoral year at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Burney.

In the Philippines, he worked as a vocal coach and brings that expertise to the liturgy and to forming the youth choir.

“I’ve been singing the Eucharistic Prayer at each Mass since ordination,” he said.

He uses props to reinforce the message of his homilies, including bringing a cowboy hat and lasso to demonstrate how a modern shepherd would round up his flock.

“One time I brought a wheelbarrow. People can’t forget that,” he said.

Seemingly lighthearted and outgoing, the 31-year-old priest has experienced tragedy, too. While he was studying for the priesthood his father was murdered in the Philippines. The retired police major went to investigate a commotion at a neighbor’s home and was shot by fleeing robbers.

“They were about to kill the whole family. My father’s presence outside the gate made them panic and run,” he said.

Father Juan, the eldest son, went home immediately and stayed with his family for six weeks.

“After the difficulties I’ve been through in my formation, slowly God is giving consolation,” he said. “For every cross we experience there’s always a resurrection.”

During his first year as a priest he has been nurtured by the support and affirmation of his parishioners. His hope is “to make a difference and be able to touch people’s lives.”

He is preparing for his anniversary Mass, which he will celebrate May 26 at 5 p.m. at St. Clare Church. He said it will be a Mass of thanksgiving in honor of Our Lady of Perpetual Help, to whom he has a special devotion.

One of the highlights will be his mother’s presence. Visa problems prevented her from attending his ordination, but those have been resolved. Father Juan recently received his “green card,” a permanent resident card that allows the holder to enter and stay legally in the United States.

When asked about his role as a modern missionary coming to America from another country, he replied that a priest at the seminary in the Philippines told him, “the evangelized are now the evangelizers.”

He feels comfortable in his adopted country.

“I’m able to live between the two worlds, and I hope to combine the best of both cultures,” he said.

Father Joselito Vibandor, affectionately called Father Boyet by the parishioners, has served as parochial vicar of St. Anthony Parish in Sacramento since his ordination last May. Father Brendan O’Sullivan is the pastor.

Having spent his pastoral year at Holy Cross Parish in West Sacramento, coming to bustling St. Anthony Parish was not a difficult transition for him.

“I never felt like I was the ‘new guy’ when I arrived,” he said, adding that the most complex transition was going from the seminary in the Philippines to St. Patrick’s in Menlo Park.

“I thought I knew what to expect when I entered the seminary,” the 27-year-old priest said.

Instead of “being on the sidelines and sitting in the pew,” his formation experiences actively involved him in all facets of parish life.

“It’s rewarding,” he said. “I totally enjoy being a priest.”

When asked what aspect of his new life brought him the most happiness, he replied, “Just celebrating the Mass each day is a joy. It’s the heart of my ministry.”

While on retreat prior to his ordination, he had several concerns.

“My thought was that this will be the most difficult time to be ordained a priest,” he said.

The focus on clergy sexual abuse issues made him wonder if people were turning against the church and priests.

“But it’s so amazing,” he said. “As far as I’m concerned, people don’t dwell on it.”

The greatest surprise of his first year as a priest has been that his reception was “totally opposite” of what he had expected.

“I’m surprised about how welcoming the people are in spite of how overwhelming the news has been,” he said.

Diligent in learning English, he is honing his proficiency. Grammar has been especially difficult; he said he does not take offense when parishioners gently correct him.

“I want feedback. I’m not afraid of it,” he said. “I look at it as more of a help.”

Saying he is an introvert, he is still getting his bearings as head of youth ministry.

“I recognize that sometimes I can’t connect,” he said. “When you’re in youth ministry you’re going into a different arena. I have to work a lot in that area.”

A native of Ran Roque, Bula, Camarines Sur in the Philippines, Father Vibandor received a bachelor’s degree in philosphy from Maryhurst Seminary in Baguio City. He then decided to become a priest for the Sacramento Diocese and entered St. Patrick’s Seminary.

In high school he played the trumpet, but now picks up the bass guitar whenever he has a free moment.

“I plunk around while I’m waiting in my office. It’s relaxing,” he said.

He doesn’t see himself in the role of missionary, but as someone who is sharing the gifts he has received.

“I look at it more as an exchange,” he said. “What I appreciate most about the United States is them bringing education to the Philippines after the war. I’m a recipient of that gift.”

At the time of this interview he had not thought yet about how he would celebrate his one-year anniversary.

“But I will make it simple,” he said. “Just my daily Mass — a Mass of thanksgiving. I always keep it simple.”

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