November 7, 2009 |
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Chaminade–Madonna welcomes new president‘Packers fan’ Father Larry Doersching takes over at Marianist–run school.  JESSICA RYCKMAN | FC HOLLYWOOD | “Hello, Larry” – Father Larry that is, not the short-lived sitcom our parents watched back in the day. Marianist Father Larry Doersching is the new president of Chaminade-Madonna College Preparatory School in Hollywood. Born 62 years ago in Milwaukee, he remembers being told as a child that he was “born a Packers fan and baptized Catholic three weeks later, and he needed to remember that priority.” The youngest of three, with an older brother and sister, Father Doersching said he received lots of support from his family while growing up and still does to this day. Somewhat of a globetrotter, he has taught high school in Texas, Missouri, Illinois and Wisconsin. Not only did he work for 13 years at St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, he graduated from there, too. He said that while he has doubted his decision to be a priest a couple of times, that number pales in comparison to the number of times he was convinced that being a priest was right for him. “A doubt does not mean a lack of faith,” he said. There are a couple of false stereotypes about the priesthood that Father Doersching wants to put to rest. One is that priests are lonely or grouchy old men. Another one is that they are superhuman, which he doesn’t believe at all. Like Chaminade-Madonna’s former president, Marianist Father John Thompson, Father Doersching also sings. Among his other talents he enjoys crocheting – yes, crocheting – playing golf, watching Broadway musicals and cooking. Even though he has not been here long, Father Doersching said he already finds south Florida beautiful. He believes that Catholic education is an incredible gift that God has given to the church. He said God has inspired people to devote themselves to running schools so students can be taught in a safe, Catholic-based community where they can thrive and develop their individuality. Remembering his days as a student at parochial school, Father Doersching said if you did something wrong, all one of the sisters had to do was give you “the look.” The lesson would not continue until you nodded and showed her you understood. He brings to Chaminade-Madonna seven years of experience as president at another Catholic high school as well as being himself the product of a Catholic education. He is highly organized and finds that having a secretary is an added bonus. He said he found his first week at Chaminade–Madonna very enjoyable. “As we say in Texas, I’m happier than a flea with a whole dog to myself.” Evidently, a sense of humor will be another of Father Doersching’s contributions to the school. Nick Bryant, 17, and Jessica Ryckman are seniors at Chaminade–Madonna College Preparatory School. FAVORITE PRAYEROne of Marianist Father Larry Doersching’s favorite prayers is the full version of the Serenity Prayer. While most people are familiar with the first part, the entire prayer is not heard as often: God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, Courage to change the things I can, And the wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time, Enjoying one moment at a time. Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace, Taking, as he did, this sinful world as it is, Not as I would have it. Trusting that he will make all things right, If I surrender to his will. That I may be reasonably happy in this life, And supremely happy with him forever in the next.
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