Meet the New Director of the Paulist Center, Fr. Frank Desiderio, CSP.

I thought you might want to know something about me. Here is a bit of what I’ve done and what I’ve learned.

My dad was a carpenter, my mother was named Mary, and I’m not Jesus.

1959-1971

Catholic grade schools and high school in Washington D.C. and suburban Maryland.

I learned the love of God and the power of Christian love.

Also learned not everyone is Catholic, and there are other foods besides Italian.  

1971-76

University of Maryland, College Park, B.A. in English.

I learned to listen to the call to the priesthood.  

1976-77

Gryphon House, a publisher and distributor of children’s books -- general factotum.

I learned a good product sells itself.

1977-78 Paulist Novitiate.

During my novitiate year I spent Lent at Park Street.

I learned Boston gets a lot of snow.  I learned to be on time for meetings.

Novitiate class motto: “The Holy Spirit, though not clearly seen or known, has directed every step.”  Fr. Isaac Hecker.

1979 – 1981

Catholic University of America, MA in Theology.

I learned that after all your homework is done, God is still mystery.

Volunteer chaplain at the D.C. prison in Lorton, VA.

I learned not to play favorites when visiting prisoners and treat everyone the same.

1981

Deacon year at St. Paul the Apostle Parish in Los Angeles.

I learned the chaotic joy of youth ministry.  Also learned to adjust to the smell of UCLA Medical Center.

1982 – 84

Ordained to the Priesthood with classmate Paul Huesing.

Associate Pastor at St. Paul the Apostle Parish.

I learned from the people how to be a priest.

1984 – 88

Director of Campus Ministry at UCLA.

I learned the importance of good music for liturgy.

1988-1991

Associate Director of Paulist Communications.  Produced radio programs and raised money for the ministry.

I learned trying to do something on the cheap wastes a lot of time.

1989-91

Annenberg School of Communications at USC, MA in Communications Management.

I studied the social effects of communication media and learned that people often say one thing and do another.

1991 – 1993

Associate Director of Formation at St. Paul’s College in Washington D.C.

Worked with Fr. Mike McGarry, the Director of Formation.

I learned to ask two questions to discern if a man would make a good priest:

If your sister were in trouble, would you refer her to this priest?           

Would you like to share a rectory with him?                        

Taught Communications Skills for Pastoral Ministry at Washington Theological Union.

I learned that one workshop in anger management doesn’t fix a broken parish staff.

1993-98

Director of Formation

I learned the value of being a non-anxious, calming presence.

Taught Introduction to Homiletics to seminarians.

I learned most people are self-correcting, if you let them see themselves on videotape.   

1999 – 2000

Associate Director at Paulist Productions.

I learned the value of good coaching.

2000 – 2009

President of Paulist Productions.

I learned Hollywood is where they kill you with encouragement.

President of the Humanitas Prize.  (learn more at www.HumanitasPrize.org) 

 I learned the feeling of aesthetic awe after reading a great script.

2010

Director of Forgiveness Retreats

I learned my job is to set the table, and God’s job is to serve the meal.

Philosophy of Leadership:

            Articulate the vision clearly.

            Affirm people as they work to realize the vision.

            Hold people accountable to the vision.

Overall, I’ve learned the truth of my novitiate class motto heard long ago:  “The Holy Spirit, though not clearly seen or known, has directed every step.”  

Hobbies: Poetry, baseball

Exercise: Biking, kayaking, bocci

Morning Routine: Prayer, Chi Gung, homily preparation.

Morning Prayer  

Merciful Friend, show me your way today.

Let me know your love so I can love you

with my whole heart, mind and strength

and be a blessing to everyone I meet.

Deliver me from self-pity and dishonesty.

Help me to live in gratitude and integrity.

Don’t let me be caught in resentment or fear.

if they appear, turn my thoughts into prayer

for my enemy or someone in need.

Throughout this day, show me the way of kindness

courage, patience and forgiveness.

When anxiety besets me

may I find peace in you

and not escape in gluttony, lust, envy

arrogance, greed, lethargy,

or any misuse of my freedom.

If I do harm someone, including me,

show me the best way to make amends.

When I am stuck in indecision,

I will relax and remember

that you want the best for me

and will show me the next step.

Guide me as I plan what to do today.

Give me the intuition to know your will

in all I do and the strength to do it.

Help me to be of service to others.

Good God, keep me in the flow of your grace.      

                                                                                                Amen.