Fr. Tom Servatius shares the challenges and joys of his vocation and his passion for gardening
By Eileen Jevis
Staff writer
This is the second of a three-part series that gives a glimpse of the many and varied duties that priests in the Diocese juggle each and every day.
In our July 17 edition of The Catholic Sun, we mentioned the retirement of seven priests and the new assignments of 20 priests, some of whom were given additional parishes to lead. We spoke to three of them to see how, despite a busy schedule, they find joy and fulfillment in their vocation. In this issue, we caught up with Fr. Tom Servatius who leads Historic Old St. John and St Joseph-St. Patrick’s in Utica and effective July 1, was also appointed pastor of St. Peter and St. Mark Parishes. He also serves as Vicar Forane for the Greater Utica Area, which means he acts as the bishop’s representative in that region, coordinating pastoral activities and supporting the clergy.
In a July 12, 2025, letter to the people of St. Peter’s and St. Mark’s, Bishop Douglas J. Lucia announced the merging of the two parishes to become one — now called Holy Cross. In his letter, the Bishop stated, “It is unfortunate that the number of faithful who gather for the celebration of the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist, and who take an active part in the mission of the Church through their involvement at these parishes has experienced a significant decline. Sadly, the same decline is present in many of the parishes and in all the vicariates of our Diocese.”
“The challenge is to remember that we’re going through this together and we are called to support each other through it,” added Fr. Servatius. “It is important to remember that we are a people of resurrection. Yes, Jesus died. But He also rose.” Fr. Tom said that in many ways, St. Peter and St. Mark Parishes are walking a similar path. “Yes, there is dying. But there is also resurrection. As we focus on the Cross, we also focus on the journey beyond the Cross.”
Taking time from his busy schedule, Fr. Tom answered the following questions that offer a glimpse of what his service to God and His church entails.
Q. What is a typical week for you as a priest and as Vicar Forane for the Utica area?
A. There really is no such thing as a typical week, but there might be some familiar trends. For instance, you can start a Monday with a to-do list, knowing full well that you may only get to 20% of that list because of what has surfaced over the
weekend and the phone calls you get on a Monday morning. Some weeks are quiet and you can focus on finding the top of your desk. Other weeks (like when I’m writing this) you have six funerals on the board and you know there are a couple of more on the way. Regardless of the week, evening meetings and appointments are a staple.
Q. As Vicar Forane for Vicariate V and pastor of multiple parishes, how do you juggle the needs/demands of you leading your flock?
Juggle is a great image to use. You’re trying to keep a bunch of balls in the air.
You’re trying to maintain a sense of balance but you know that you might drop a ball at any time and you know there are people watching. But unlike a typical juggler, you listen for people who will say, “Hey Father, throw a couple of those balls over here. I can handle it.” You also appreciate the people who understand when you drop a ball.
Q. As the number of priests declines, can you talk about the importance of deacons and lay ministers?
A. First, we need to remember the importance of deacons and lay ministers is due to their baptismal call to discipleship. We are all called to be ministers in the Church. This would be true even if the number of priests wasn’t declining. The value of deacons and lay people is beyond measure. Like the priest, they bring life into the Church in their own unique ways.
Frequently, I am asked, “Father, how do you do it all?” My response is usually, “What makes you think I am?” This is why it is important to continually encourage and develop lay ministers.
Q. How do you rapidly change focus throughout the day, week, etc.?
A. Thanks for highlighting one of the dangers of this kind of job — rapidly changing focus. This can lead to one losing focus altogether. And it happens. That’s when things “fall through the cracks.” For me, I try to carve some space away from the “hustle and the bustle” while working. Not living where I work has been a huge help. For instance, as I write the answers to these questions, I’m sitting in the kitchen in the rectory where I live. No one can find me right now. It’s totally quiet in the house. I’m getting it done. And this is one of the most productive moments of my week.
Q. Who supports you — family, friends, fellow priests?
A. As I am a pretty high introvert, my inner circle is a small but trusted one. And the trust is mutual. Sometimes one of us will pick up the phone just to say “Hi” while other times it might be a more serious conversation. Either way, I try to make a conscious effort to answer the phone when a friend calls because you never know if they need to talk about something right away. And I appreciate it when they do that for me.
Q. In addition to the challenge of finding enough time for all that you do, what other challenges are there?
A. I think people are starting to realize that things are changing pretty quickly. One example: people have begun to realize that after Mass, I might not be able to stand on the sidewalk and visit because I have to run off to another Mass elsewhere. While that part is difficult, other adjustments have been widely embraced. Case-in-point: I prefer to celebrate baptisms at Mass as it is a fuller expression of the meaning of the sacrament. Now there also is a practical reason to celebrate baptisms during Mass since I might not be available afterwards. Those assembled for Mass love witnessing the baptisms of new members of the parish.
Q. What do you do for relaxation and enjoyment?
A. I have been a gardener since I was nine years old and tend to my plants whenever I have a few free moments. My hobby is in full throttle right now, but because of time limitations, I’m not doing as much as I’d like, but I’m pretty pleased with the garden right now.
In the winter months I can be found reading my collection of books while watching the hockey game on the television. Since I am a hockey fan, it’s great living in a hockey town like Utica. Currently my stack of books include: “The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben, “The Game” by Ken Dryden, “Jesus Wept” by Philip Shenon, “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt, “Things Hidden” by Richard Rohr, and “Darwin’s Most Wonderful Plants” by Ken Thompson.
In these challenging times for the Church, Fr. Servatius referred to a recent Gospel reading (Luke10:1-23). “Jesus sent forth 72 disciples in advance of His arrival. Deeply inherent in His sending them is His belief in them,” Father explained. “Jesus believed in them! In the same way, God believes in our goodness more than we do. God believes in our abilities more than we do. God believes in us! That will sustain us.”
In the next issue of The Catholic Sun, we will hear from Fr. Malachi Clark, who was recently appointed Administrator of Parishes in Cortland, Homer, DeRuyter, and Truxton. He was also appointed Sacramental Provider for the SUNY Cortland Newman Center.
