Gym Cracks By Jim May 25, 2004 PRIEST NO MORE For first time in long time, Greeley is without a resident priest By Jim (Babe) Berryman MissingNebraska.com The Greeley Citizen recently informed its readers Greeley Sacred Heart would be without a resident priest for the first time since 1893. Not 1993, but 1893! This change is a major disappointment to Greeley Catholics. Although I grew up as a member of the Methodist Church, many of my friends are of the Catholic faith. Every few years, priests are reassigned to different parishes. I knew several priests who were assigned to the Greeley parish when I was a residence of this area. One I fondly remember was Father Lawrence Portrey. Fathr Portrey, in addition to being parish priest, also served as the head administrator of the Catholic school system. During the summer months he managed/coached the American Legion baseball team. Baseball has always been my favorite sport. Father Portrey helped mold my life. I felt I received more than a fair shake from him. He actually recruited me to attend Sacred Heart High School. I am a graduate of a Catholic high school as I attended my last year of K-12 schooling at Sacred Heart. Although never a "star" I participated in all sports. By my junior year in high school I stood 6'3" and Father Portney thought maybe I could help the Sacred Heart athletic teams. The public school was so small--19 students in grades 9-12--that most sports were not offered in the public school. When Father offered free tuition to Sacred Heart I jumped at the opportunity. I could now play football. With so few in numbers the public school did not field a football team. I had a great experience at Sacred Heart under Father Portrey's guidance. He died recently. I know he touched the lives of many people during his years in the priesthood. Post/Read Feedback PREVIOUS GYM CRACKS: Click Here