Always wanted to be a priest

“Being an SCJ definitely influences how I minister. From the SCJs who have been my directors and mentors I have a deep appreciation of the Mass and the Eucharist that I try to pass on to others. I believe that as a priest I must be physically present to the people with whom I minister. That is a mark of religious priests and of the SCJs who have influenced me.”

-Fr. Charles Yost, SCJ

Fr. Charles Yost, SCJ, died July 8 at Sacred Heart at Monastery Lake in Franklin, WI. He had gone into home hospice care just days earlier. Fr. Yost was 85.

“Since early childhood I wanted to be a priest,” he wrote several years ago, reflecting on his vocation. “I was fascinated by stories of missionaries in Africa and wanted to do that kind of ministry… My family was very supportive of my intent and desires. They always were and continue to be a great source of support to me. Also, the nuns who taught me encouraged me.

One of the last times that Fr. Yost was able to celebrate Mass with the community was during the June assembly.

“Once I knew the difference between a diocesan and a religious priest I consciously chose to join a religious community. That choice was confirmed in the minor seminary after seeing how a religious community lived together and shared in each other’s life. I saw a genuine spirit of fraternity in the men at the school and later.

“Why the SCJs? I kind of grew into that as I learned the SCJs’ spirituality and direction in life. While there is a definite thrust to our spirituality, there is also great allowance for personal inclinations and initiative in spiritual matters.

“Being an SCJ definitely influences how I minister. From the SCJs who have been my directors and mentors I have a deep appreciation of the Mass and the Eucharist that I try to pass on to others. I believe that as a priest I must be physically present to the people with whom I minister. That is a mark of religious priests and of the SCJs who have influenced me.”

Fr. Yost professed his first vows in 1951 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1958. From 1962-63 he was able to fulfill his dream of being a missionary, serving in Indonesia.

When he returned to the States, Fr. Yost became the librarian at Sacred Heart Seminary and School of the Theology (then, Sacred Heart Monastery). He remained in the position until 1980. He was also chaplain to the Ancilla Domini Convent in Milwaukee during this time.

From 1980-83 he served at the Province Development Office before entering parish ministry, first at St. Cecilia in San Antonio (1984) and then St. Joan of Arc in Victorville, CA, from 1984-1987.

For six years (1987-1993) he worked with our retired priests and brothers at the Sacred Heart Residence in Pinellas Park, FL. Fr. Yost then moved to Mississippi where he did parish ministry at Holy Spirit in Hernando (1993-94) and served as spiritual director of the Sacred Heart League (now Sacred Heart Southern Missions) from 1998-2004.

Retired, Fr. Yost was a member of the Sacred Heart Community at SHML. In retirement, he continued to be active, overseeing the production of the American Ordo for many years in collaboration with the Province Development Office.

Funeral arrangements:

The services for Fr. Yost will be held on Thursday, July 13th at Sacred Heart Monastery/Sacred Heart Seminary and School of Theology. Reception of his remains and wake service will begin at 9:00 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 10:30 a.m., with interment in the Sacred Heart Mausoleum. Lunch will follow at SHM/SHSST.