Your Hosts: Fr. Chris Mileski

Fr. Chris is a priest of the Diocese of Toledo in America (not to be confused with the Diocese of Toledo in Brazil, or the Archdiocese of Toledo, in Spain). He was ordained to the priesthood on 22 June 2013 and is currently serving as Parochial Vicar (Associate Pastor) at St. Wendelin in Fostoria, Ohio. He also serves as chaplain to St. Wendelin Catholic School where he teaches Freshman Theology as well as the Chaplain for Youth for the Diocese of Toledo.

Fr. Chris grew up as a “cradle Catholic” in Tiffin, Ohio. He attended Catholic School (K-12), graduating from Calvert High School in 2002. He studied both biology and religion at Heidelberg College (now Heidelberg University) earning a B.S. in 2006. Immediately upon graduation from Heidelberg in 2006, he began formation at St. Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology and became classmates and friends with Fr. Jerry. A year later Fr. Alan came to Saint Meinrad, and Fr. Chris grew in wisdom and patience. Around the same time, the three Meinrad priests began weekend trips to Osgood, IN where Fr. Shaun was beginning his first pastorate. Due to Toledo’s pastoral year program, Fr. Chris bumped into Fr. Alan’s class and graduated from St. Meinrad Seminary & School of Theology in 2013, where he earned an MA in Catholic Philosophical Thought (2008) and an MDiv (2013).

Fr. Chris’ love of teaching began when he was 15 years old and began instructing other Boy Scouts in the Junior Leader Training program in the Black Swamp Area Council. After many years involved with that program, he also began teaching religious education in his home parish of St. Joseph, teaching both 7th and 1st grades. While in seminary, Fr. Chris teamed up with Fr. Alan in offering confirmation retreats to young people from more than 10 dioceses over the course of four years. On his pastoral internship year, Fr. Chris became involved in Life Teen, and was able to continue his love for sharing the faith, teaching, and having fun while doing it. Fr. Chris now brings this love to St. Wendelin where he teaches the Freshman Class both Sacred Scripture and Christology/Trinity.

What excites you about the Vatican You Radio Hour?
At Heidelberg, I had a Christian radio show and really enjoyed that experience. When Fr. Alan proposed that the four of us do a show together, I was hesitant because knowing us, my first thought was, “Lord forgive us, for we don’t know what we’re doing!” That being said, I am looking forward to sharing the faith with all the listeners who listen by podcast or streaming radio all over the country. I’m also excited that, now that we are recording shows, other people will know how much I get picked on by my friends, and consequently be able to console me with Diet Coke and home-cooked meals.

What do you hope Vatican You listeners take away from the show?
Just like with my students, I have two goals. In the short term, I hope folks can learn a little bit more about their faith. The documents of Vatican II are some of the most quoted and least understood documents in the Church, and I hope people can learn just a bit more about them. But more than that, I hope that our listeners will remember, long term, that faith can be fun, exciting, and truly worth giving an honest shot.

What are your current interests, hobbies, or pass times?
As an Eagle Scout, I’ve always been “outdoorsy.” I am currently looking into section hiking the Appalachian Trail, in two week sections. Even if I never complete the entire trail, I am looking forward to spending more time with my brother and more time outdoors. To quote George Wherry, “The outside of a mountain is good for the inside of a man.”

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our listeners?
Only what I tell my students every time I see them: Never, ever forget: God loves you, the Church loves you, and I love you.