Name: Father Daniel Mannhardt
Age: 78
Current assignment: I retired after 44 years, serving in parish ministry for 20 years and hospital ministry for 24 years.
How did you know you were being called to the priesthood? I had an uncle who was a priest (Father Charles Mannhardt) and I am sure that he had a great influence in my choice to become a priest. By the age of 10, if anyone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up my answer would be, “A priest.” Others who influenced me were my Scout Master, Mr. Al Nielsen, and college professors Agnes Renner, Father Bernard Kamerick, Father Leo Sterck and Msgr. Hauber.
Aside from your ordination Mass, what was your most memorable Mass? I don’t remember the year, but I think it was 1990, I attended a retreat for priests in Vatican City with almost 7,000 other priests from all over the world and we concelebrated Mass with Pope John Paul II.
What is most rewarding about being a priest? As I visited parishioners and patients I had a feeling that they all accepted me as a member of their families. Each parish and each hospital was all like one big family.
What is most challenging about being a priest? At times when emotions run high, such as at weddings and funerals, I found it difficult to calm the situation or while ministering in the hospital to be calm in the face of pain and disaster.
What is your favorite Scripture passage? 2 Cor: 11:30 ff — “My grace is enough for you, for in weakness power reaches perfection.”
What is your hobby? Photography. I have five cameras and enjoy showing my pictures to others.
