COEUR d’ALENE — Father Len MacMillan describes himself as cynical.

So perhaps that explains why he wasn’t overjoyed at being named Idaho Priest of the Year at the Idaho Knights of Columbus State convention in Coeur d’Alene.

“They should recount the ballots,” he joked when asked for his reaction to receiving the award.

On a more serious side, MacMillan, who leads St. Pius X Catholic Church, said the honor was a nice affirmation, but still deflected the credit.

“I do the work because I love the work, not because I get anything out of it,” he said.

John Thurston, Grand Knight for the St. Pius Knights of Columbus Council 11623, said MacMillan has excelled at outreach not only within the parish but throughout the community.

He said since MacMillan arrived at the church on Haycraft Avenue about 18 months ago, attendance has increased. His classes and his podcasts about faith and scripture are having an impact, as well.

“Jesus calls us to be teachers and shepherds and that’s exactly what he is,” Thurston said.

MacMillan has been in the priesthood for more than three decades. He has served in Boise, Meridian and as a missionary in Central America.

He sees part of his role as being a builder of community.

“I love being a priest,” MacMillan said. “I love caring for people. I just always loved church. I loved praying, even as a little kid."

Born and raised in Western Montana, MacMillan has master’s degrees in theology, divinity and liturgy, and also has a degree in accounting.

Yet, he insists he is “not really very smart.”

“Priests have different gifts. I have two gifts and only two gifts,” he said. “I’m an incredibly hard, hard worker, and I love to learn.”

MacMillan, lean and muscled, said at 60 he's slowing down, but he exudes energy and believes in physical fitness and works out daily.

Exercise, he said, is a key ingredient to happiness.

“It makes me joyful,” he said.

As a man who likes regiment, MacMillan is an early riser, between 4:30 and 5 a.m. His early hours include coffee, prayer, scripture and the news.

“I’m incapable of sleeping in," he said. "It’s not in my makeup."

Church should be full of love, peace and joy, MacMillan said. If it’s not, "then the presence of Christ isn’t there.”

MacMillan likes to tell jokes, even during Mass. Perhaps it is his cynicism that lets him see humor where others might not.

“I find life funny,” he said. “Why shouldn't I laugh?”

When people leave service, he hopes they return home closer to Christ, which means they will have a servant's heart and that will flow through the community.

“I hope they are putting their faith into action,” he said.

His greatest joy is that moment when someone's eyes let him know that they understand his message - they get it.

"I love people getting excited about faith," MacMillan said.