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SALISBURY — Twenty years ago this month, Father John Putnam was ordained to the priesthood by the late Bishop John Donoghue at St. Patrick Cathedral in Charlotte. Over the past 20 years, Father Putnam continued his studies, specializing in canon law, and accepted several positions in parishes around the Diocese of Charlotte.

His first assignment was as interim parochial vicar of St. Lucien Church in Spruce Pine and St. Bernadette Church in Linville. Since then he has also served as parochial vicar of Holy Family Church in Clemmons and as the administrator of Holy Infant Church in Reidsville. He served as sacramental minister of St. Joseph Church in Eden as well.

Father Putnam is currently the pastor at Sacred Heart Church in Salisbury, a position he has held for the past 12 years. Since 2003, he has held the position of judicial vicar for the diocese, overseeing the marriage tribunal. He has also served as Tribunal Assessor, Tribunal Judge, Vicar Forane for the Salisbury Vicariate and Interim Vocation Director.

The various boards and councils he has served on include the Priest Vocations Board, Presbyteral Council, College of Consultors, Priest Personnel Committee, and the Eucharistic Congress Steering Committee.

To mark Father Putnam's 20th anniversary, there will be a Mass at 4 p.m. Sunday, June 10, at Sacred Heart Church at 375 Lumen Christi Lane in Salisbury. A celebration dinner will follow.

The Catholic News Herald recently interviewed him about his priestly ministry over the past 20 years:

CNH: What do you enjoy most about your priestly ministry?

Father Putnam: In addition to the celebration of the sacraments, I think being able to celebrate significant milestones in the lives of parishioners and parish families.

CNH: What is the biggest lesson you have learned over the past 20 years, now that you are a "seasoned" pastor?

Father Putnam: Don't forget that God's in charge and sometimes you just have to get out of the way.

CNH: What advice would you give to a man discerning a vocation to the priesthood?

Father Putnam: Be faithful to prayer and the sacraments and seek out guidance from a priest whom you trust and admire.

— SueAnn Howell, Staff writer

Other ordination milestones in May

Other priests of the diocese celebrating major milestones this month include:

• Bishop Emeritus William G. Curlin: 55 years. Look for a special in-depth interview with Bishop Curlin in our June 8 edition.

• Father Andrew Latsko: 20 years, now retired and living in Pennsylvania

• Father Bernard Manley: 25 years, retired and living at Pennybyrn at Maryfield in High Point

• Father Carlo Di Natale Tarasi: 40 years, now living in Charlotte