Imagine the joy of knowing your son was just ordained to the priesthood! Doug Hinderer is experiencing this excitement right now, and he has the pleasure of talking to Fr. Joseph Hinderer on this edition of Marriage Unhindered. Fr. Joe is fresh from the most life-changing weekend of his life: ordination to the priesthood in the Diocese of Nashville. You can listen to the entire episode here.

A Weekend for the Ages
Doug had a front row seat as a father to watch his son be ordained by Bishop Spalding alongside three other men. The cathedral was standing-room-only, and it was filled with people who had prayed, supported, and walked with these new priests on the road to the altar.

Fr. Joseph shares the moments that left him awestruck: lying prostrate as the Litany of the Saints filled the air, feeling the brotherhood of fellow priests embracing him for the first time, and turning around after ordination to see the faces of so many who had shaped his vocation.

😅 First Day as “Father”
On one of his very first days in the parish, Fr. Joseph was assigned confessions; he found himself telling a nervous penitent, “...Let’s figure it out together.” 

🌟 First Mass Joys and Tears
Choosing to celebrate his first Mass the very evening of his ordination meant riding the waves of excitement straight into the sanctuary. He returned to the parish where he’d served as a deacon, now able to offer them the Eucharist as their priest. Doug shares his own awe at watching his son consecrate the host, still struggling to wrap his mind around the mystery that those newly anointed hands could command heaven to touch earth.

One of the most moving traditions was the gifts to the parents: the maniturgium (the cloth used to wipe the sacred chrism from his hands) given to his mother, and the first confession stole given to his father. These are meant to be buried with them, a sign before God at the final judgment that they gave their son to Him... just as He gave His Son for them.

🌱 The Seed Planted Early
Fr. Joseph’s vocation story began young: a second-grader serving daily Mass, ringing the bells, and wondering for a brief moment if God might be calling him to the priesthood. He brushed it off, wanted to chased other dreams, but the idea kept returning. “If the Lord wants you, He’s going to get you,” he laughs. “Better sooner than later.” After high school he entered seminary, took a detour, then found his home in the Diocese of Nashville.

Advice for the Rest of Us
His counsel to young men feeling that quiet nudge toward the priesthood is to stay close to prayer, the sacraments, and don’t fear what God asks you to give; He only takes something away to give something greater. He also reminds young men and their parents that time spent in seminary is never wasted. God doesn’t waste our pursuit of Him.

Let's pray for Fr. Joseph Hinderer in his priestly vocation! 

The best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It’s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out here.

 

Imagine the joy of knowing your son was just ordained to the priesthood! Doug Hinderer is experiencing this excitement right now, and he has the pleasure of talking to Fr. Joseph Hinderer on this edition of Marriage Unhindered.&nbsp;Fr. Joe is fresh from the most life-changing weekend of his life: ordination to the priesthood in the Diocese of Nashville. You can listen to the entire episode <a href="https://relevantradio.com/2025/08/proud-father-of-a-father/">here</a>.
<hr>
A Weekend for the Ages Doug had a front row seat as a father to watch his son be ordained by Bishop Spalding alongside three other men. The cathedral was standing-room-only, and it was filled with people who had prayed, supported, and walked with these new priests on the road to the altar.
Fr. Joseph shares the moments that left him awestruck: lying prostrate as the Litany of the Saints filled the air, feeling the brotherhood of fellow priests embracing him for the first time, and turning around after ordination to see the faces of so many who had shaped his vocation.
😅 First Day as &ldquo;Father&rdquo; On one of his very first days in the parish, Fr. Joseph was assigned confessions; he found himself telling a nervous penitent, &ldquo;...Let&rsquo;s figure it out together.&rdquo;&nbsp;
🌟 First Mass Joys and Tears Choosing to celebrate his first Mass the very evening of his ordination meant riding the waves of excitement straight into the sanctuary. He returned to the parish where he&rsquo;d served as a deacon, now able to offer them the Eucharist as their priest. Doug shares his own awe at watching his son consecrate the host, still struggling to wrap his mind around the mystery that those newly anointed hands could command heaven to touch earth.
One of the most moving traditions was the gifts to the parents: the maniturgium (the cloth used to wipe the sacred chrism from his hands) given to his mother, and the first confession stole given to his father. These are meant to be buried with them, a sign before God at the final judgment that they gave their son to Him... just as He gave His Son for them.
🌱 The Seed Planted Early Fr. Joseph&rsquo;s vocation story began young: a second-grader serving daily Mass, ringing the bells, and wondering for a brief moment if God might be calling him to the priesthood. He brushed it off, wanted to chased other dreams, but the idea kept returning. &ldquo;If the Lord wants you, He&rsquo;s going to get you,&rdquo; he laughs. &ldquo;Better sooner than later.&rdquo; After high school he entered seminary, took a detour, then found his home in the Diocese of Nashville.
Advice for the Rest of Us His counsel to young men feeling that quiet nudge toward the priesthood is to stay close to prayer, the sacraments, and don&rsquo;t fear what God asks you to give; He only takes something away to give something greater. He also reminds young men and their parents that time spent in seminary is never wasted. God doesn&rsquo;t waste our pursuit of Him.
<hr>
Let's pray for Fr. Joseph Hinderer in his priestly vocation!&nbsp;
<hr>
The&nbsp;best way to listen to the Best of the Week is on our #1 Free Catholic App. It&rsquo;s free, and always will be! To get and share the Relevant Radio app, check it out <a href="https://relevantradio.com/listen/get-the-app/">here</a>.
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Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.

Life can get busy, and it's easy to miss out on the captivating moments from your favorite Relevant Radio shows. But now, we've got you covered! "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" brings you the crème de la crème of Relevant Radio's programming. We carefully curate and compile the most engaging and relevant content from the past week, just for you! Get ready to catch up on faith, culture, current events, and personal growth, all in one convenient and easily accessible podcast. It's like having a front-row seat to the most compelling moments from Relevant Radio's diverse range of shows. So, whether you're an active Relevant Radio listener or new to our programming, "The Best of the Week - Relevant Radio Podcast" is your passport to a world of knowledge, growth, and inspiration.