It's a busy time of year, and high on the list of people with particularly demanding holiday season schedules are members of the clergy. Nonetheless, Shelburne News was able to gently pry Father Michael De Forge of Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church away from his hectic schedule for an interview.

Family: Father Michael grew up in Colchester to parents Leo and Audrey De Forge. He was the fourth child of six siblings. His parents owned a restaurant on Mallets Bay and his father worked in construction. 

Education: Father Michael attended Burlington's St. Joseph's Catholic School and Rice High School. After graduation, he went to Saint Michael's College and majored in history and social work. He then worked in a group home for adolescents and said that this work and his spirituality - trying to make a difference for good - led him to Mount Saint Mary's seminary in Maryland. Four years later he graduated with a master's degree in divinity and was ordained in Burlington in 1979 as a diocesan priest. Later he attended Loyola College in Chicago, followed by postgraduate studies at Boston College where he focused on the interplay of developmental psychology and spiritual faith. 

"My education was a wonderful triple play: history, psychology, and spirituality. This blessed me with a deeper understanding of the person and the human context in which a person's faith develops. It helped me to understand people's [emotional] wounds and to try to offer appropriate solace. It was a gift that serves me to this very day."

Career: Father Michael spent his first four years working for the diocese in St. Johnsbury and Saint Albans. Later, he joined the ministry at UVM's Catholic Center and lived on campus. "This was an incredible experience. I am terribly impressed by young people's goodness, their yearnings, high goals, and strivings for a deeper spirituality."

After 14 years at UVM, Father Michael accepted his present position at Saint Catherine. He commented, "Although I loved working with the students, after 13 years, the 18-hour days were growing harder. To borrow the lines from a UVM priest who preceded me, it's because working on campus 'I never went to bed on the same day I woke up!'

"At St. Catherine I really enjoy the diversity of my parish work - from weddings to families to eldercare. I like serving people of different ages, backgrounds, and experiences. My parishioners include native Vermont farmers and Wall Street transplants. 

"For me, the bottom line regarding my work is this: I find the whole adventure incredible. To have the sacred trust of people sharing this intimate part of their life - their spiritual vision and intuitive take on the world - is an incredible privilege and a blessing." 

Favorite food: seafood

Favorite movie: historical drama, ie: "The Mission"

Favorite music: Broadway, such as "Les Miserables" and "Evita" 

Favorite books: the Bible, books about spiritual development and the human experience, such as "Crossing the Desert" by Robert J Wicks - a book about living simply. "But at night I have a mystery by my bed, such as a good James Patterson."

Bucket List "I am grateful and happy to be as I am and to take each day as it comes."

Favorite quote - by Jacques Maritain, "We are partners together in the adventure of grace and glory."