ONE ON ONE | The Rev. Edward Noga Pastor wants you to know: Priests are people, too

Tell me how public service fits into the priesthood.
The politicians often talk about how churches, synagogues are the mainstays of neighborhoods. Very often we're referred to, but not a part of. I've always felt we should be a part of what goes on in the governance.
What's the best thing about celebrating morning Mass?
Being able to pray with people. It's a connecting thing. It's the way I literally start the day. It connects all that I do together.
What's the worst thing about morning Mass?
I'm an early person, and our Mass isn't that early. It's at 8:30 a.m. I'm up at quarter to five every morning, go jogging at 5 a.m., so I love the morning. It's great to watch the city wake up. There's no downside.
When did you start jogging and why?
I started back in 1980. I did it for health reasons. The doctor said I should get out more. I'm out for about an hour.
What's the best thing about Youngstown? And don't say the people.
Our size, currently, can be a tremendous strength. We have a lot of amenities of a big city, but the quality of life potentially of a smaller city. You can make the town anything you want it to be. I'm excited about that.
The worst thing about Youngstown?
Our negative attitude, I think, which has been fostered by a lot of empty promises, things we didn't have control over like the steel mills. These are things people use all the time. It weighs me down sometimes because I see more of what we can be.
Biggest food vice?
Well, I love chocolate candy, which I'm not supposed to eat. My staff counts the number of pieces in the office from when they leave until the next morning.
Your favorite color -- and don't tell me black.
Green. It's always been green. Not because I'm at St. Patrick's. Even as a youngster I liked green. Green has always been a traditionally hopeful color. I like to think one of the reasons I picked that is I'm very hopeful.
Your favorite TV show?
I don't watch television. I was considered an outcast, when, the last episode of 'Seinfeld,' everybody I knew was going to a party and I said I'd never seen the show.
What's your biggest accomplishment in life to date?
Trying to keep St. Patrick's a major force on the South Side. This neighborhood has a tough recent history.
Biggest achievement left to accomplish?
I've always wanted to be mayor, which is not allowed in canon law and the Catholic Church.
Biggest achievement left to accomplish, realistically?
Especially on this side of town, eventually encourage, promote and make happen private investors or developers to build housing.
Football, baseball, basketball or hockey?
Baseball. For me, the response of a crowd at baseball games. I like the ebb and the flow of it. With the crack of one bat, everything comes to life.
Two CDs or tapes in your stereo right now?
A 60s oldies, I think '67 is in there, and Aaron Copeland, his Appalachian Spring.
The question that you're asked the most by people?
Why do I stay here?
What's your answer?
Because I want to. I love this city; it gave me a lot and I want to give something back.
What's it like knowing you'll never marry?
It's difficult. I have three great nieces and a nephew. I love to spend time with them. I love the kids over at school. Having an effect on a lot of families and a lot of children and being in a position of service to the families, I think in all of our professions there are some things we sacrifice for something else. It's difficult, but it's a free choice.
Biggest misconception about priests?
People think priests are hatched. I'm my parents' son first, I'm a sibling first, then I'm a priest. That's not derogatory toward the priesthood. It points to the fact that we are people. The misconception is that from day one, you're a priest.