By Tracey Lamm
For The Beacon
A cancer diagnosis can be a rough road to travel, requiring help and support along the way.
For the Very Rev. Martin Goetz, that help has come in the form of his family and parishioners.
Father Marty was diagnosed with metastasizing breast cancer in May 2021. In his battle with cancer, his immediate family and parishioners, including those in the pews each week praying for him, are all the support he needs.
“I am among 1 percent of American males with this type of cancer. I’m special,” Father Marty said with a laugh.
His Divine Mercy parishioners would agree. Parishioners continue to pray for his recovery and have spread the word about his diagnosis with requests for more prayer.
Father Marty said the outpouring of well-wishes has been overwhelming and appreciated.
But what about the day-to-day realities of cancer treatment — not feeling well, doctor appointments, meals, and the need to rest more than usual?
Father Marty credits his core team of eight individuals who have walked with him on this journey. They have helped with meals, taken him to appointments, and been another set of ears during doctor visits.
“I didn’t create the hashtag, but it has been what I have said ‘only you can do it, but not alone.’ That has certainly been true,” he said.
The road to recovery has been particularly tough for Father Marty.
The cancer diagnosis was made after an MRI revealed lesions on his spine and the diagnosis of metastasizing breast cancer found in his bones. That diagnosis was followed by a broken femur that required surgery to insert a metal rod and the use of a wheelchair and a walker for a while.
“I had a bad week at the start. This past month things have started to get better. My mobility is better, and I am told I look better,” Father Marty said
He looks forward to golf on Hilton Head Island this spring with friends.
He grew up in Keokuk, graduating high school from Cardinal Stritch in 1984. Named for a priest, he said the idea of the priesthood was always in the back of his mind.
After his freshman year at Southeastern Community College, Marty Goetz took a leap of faith. After three years at St. Ambrose University and four years at the Mundelein (Ill.) Seminary, he was ordained in 1992.
Father Marty took a brief leave of absence from 1999 to 2001 but has spent the bulk of his adult life ministering to the Catholic faithful of southeast Iowa.
“Our God is a God of second chances. Here I am again. God does not give up on us,” Father Marty said.
This year marks his 28th in the priesthood. He said he continues to grow in his faith. When asked what the biggest highlight has been for him in nearly three decades as a priest, Father Marty did not hesitate, “Sharing God’s love.”
“I’ve touched the hand of the Holy Father (Pope Francis) and made many pilgrimages, and those things are wonderful, but it is being with people at the best and the worst of times and being with people in their journey of faith that is the highlight for me,” he said.
The cancer diagnosis has presented Father Marty with another opportunity to grow in his faith.
“I have leaned hard on my faith. I remain positive and hopeful,” he said. “I love being a priest. I’m still trying to figure out what God is calling me to do, now as a priest with cancer.”