And what about the kids?  "We told the kids what we were doing," he replied, "and I don't think John and Sarah had the maturity yet to understand the moment.  They were only eight and four.  But on the day of ordination John said to me, 'Well, Dad, I'm really proud of you.'  That meant a lot to me."  John, now 15, is a freshman at Benilde St. Margaret in St. Louis Park.  Sarah, 11, is a fifth grader at St. Hubert's.  Little Joseph, only 17 months old, did nursery time during the ordination .
"I told my family I'd like each of them to do something at the ordination," said Larry.  "Diane and Sarah and Joseph brought up the gifts.  John said he wanted to serve at Mass.  He had a bird's eye view of everything."

After the candidate was presented for ordination, Archbishop Harry Flynn addressed the assembly:  "Do you judge him to be worthy?"  The reply:  "We judge him to be worthy."  The Archbishop responded: "Thanks be to God."  And then there was great and prolonged applause from approximately 1,200 people that morning in the newly constructed, St. Hubert's Church.  Over 50 priests in white vestments attended and participated in the service.  There were also deacons present and clergy from other denominations, including Pastor Glen Floe who married Larry and Diane at Elim Lutheran.
Larry recalled that moment of applause.  "When you know in your heart for a long time that it's right for you, and then have it affirmed publicly, it feels very good."
The Archbishop had more to say to the candidate:  "Our prayer is not to be served, but to serve God's wonderful people.  It's the greatest privilege we can have … Everyone of us is on a journey to God, and it is unique for everyone.  Yours is not like mine, and mine is not like yours.  We are on a unique journey.  When I became a priest, I did not need the permission of the Pope.  That's how different we are."
The above comments were spoken before the general assembly but with eyes and nod toward the family man clothed in white alb and seated directly in front of the Archbishop.  In his office at St. Hubert's, Larry can produce the signed documentation whereupon the Vatican did, indeed, give official nod for this unusual bridge.
The Archbishop continued.  "Invite Jesus Christ to come and invade you … That's what the Church is all about -- to grow into Christ Jesus.  And on some days we do that better than others.  I have a suggestion for you, Larry.  Don't share that Word unless you have first received it.  Teach what you believe, and put into practice what you teach so that you walk the walk and talk the talk.  People are hungry for the true doctrine."
Larry finds much of that true doctrine in the new Catechism of the Catholic Church of which he has at least two editions on his shelves.  It is immediately evident that the pages in his hardcover copy have been turned often, and many paragraphs within those pages are highlighted with yellow marker.
"Don't ever get tired of offering that Mystery of the Mass," the Archbishop also said.  "There is no greater privilege than to stand at the altar of God.  Never get tired of that … And the Sacrament of Reconciliation?  You are Christ, then, for that sinner, from one sinner to another.  And always be compassionate and always consider that a privilege -- to take that burden from someone."
Since the ordination three weeks ago, Larry has received calls from neighboring priests to assist in communal penance services this past Advent season.  He understands the privilege.
"You have a beautiful wife and family," said the Archbishop to the reverent and attentive candidate.  "They are your primary vocation.  Integrate all of this with the holy sacrament of matrimony which is already yours and yet be answerable to me … It's going to be quite a chore, isn't it!  But we can do it, Lawrence, huh?"  The congregation smiled.  Larry beamed.
As the two-hour ceremony concluded, the Archbishop said, "Always remember, Larry, the beautiful example of the Good Shepherd and seek out those who are lost."               ***
At the press conference following the ordination Mass, Larry responded to reporters and bright camera lights.  Regarding the Catholic priesthood he said, "It's a singular privilege and I'm very humbled … to think that my wishes have been affirmed by the highest authority of the Church … It's a very humbling experience, to say the least.  It's a wonderful, wonderful thing."
Regarding comparison to his Lutheran ordination in 1978 Larry said, "This has much more grandeur."
Regarding the preparation for priesthood he said, "It's fair to say I had ups and downs through these past six years.  I thank Diane for staying with me and keeping me hopeful … I've been happily married for 25 years … My wife and I came into the Church in 1993 … People have been wonderful and supportive."
Regarding high moments of the ordination Mass he spoke of "hearing the people's acclamation behind me and the litany of the saints.  My mind reflected for a moment on St. Lawrence, and also Maximillian Kolbe.  It was an overpowering moment.  I found myself tearing up."
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