As priests we have the privilege of sharing the defining moments of life with you. Your parish priest or bishop is there to welcome you into the Body of Christ at Baptism, to introduce you to Jesus in the Eucharist at First Communion, to empower you with the Holy Spirit at Confirmation, to reconcile you to God and the Church in Confession, to begin a new family at your Marriage and to prepare you for the journey home to the Father as death approaches.
When I ordain a new priest, I realize that he is beginning a new life, a life for others. It is a life filled with joys and sorrows, tears and laughter that are not only his own but those of the people he will serve. He will touch many lives and also be touched by many.
At the suggestion of Serra International USA Council, the last Sunday in October, October 30, has been set aside in the United States as Priesthood Sunday. It is a time to pray for our priests, to recognize them for their commitment to Christ and his people and to remember and pray for the many priests who have enriched our lives over the years.
As I have said before, observances such as this are reminders of what we should be doing all year long, not just on a particular day.
Join me in showing our appreciation to our priests, drop them a note, stop them after Mass, and let them know that you are aware of the sacrifices they make in serving Christ and his Church.
You will both be blessed by the experience.
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