On October 29th, I attended the Vocations Gala with 30 members of St. Monica and St. Andrew parishes. As Directors of Vocations, Fr. Connor O’Hara and Fr. Kevin Burgess are doing a wonderful job in attracting young men to the priesthood. After going through a dry spell for a few year (with no new candidates), we now have 12 men preparing for the priesthood. While this is good news, many priests in Ottawa are retiring, over the age of 70 and are dying off. The priests who are already serving in parishes are working harder than ever before and are making considerable sacrifices in order to be available to serve their parishioners in this ministry.
A parish priest is not just a “hired hand.” His parishioners become like a family to him. He is a human being, with human weaknesses. He’s not perfect. He makes mistakes. He is not a robot. He has feelings. His heart can be broken. He mourns and grieves his losses. He sometimes gets hurt, tired, or discouraged. Sometimes he cannot live up to people’s expectations.
These are some of the ways that we can show appreciation for our priests. Pray for them and let them know you’re praying for them. Be yourself around them. Prepare food for them once in a while (especially food that’s healthy).
A Catholic priest is ordained to serve the faithful in three ways: (1) by preaching God’s Word and explaining the faith; (2) by celebrating the sacraments; and (3) by shepherding the community that’s been entrusted to him, and leading them to Heaven. He does not exercise his ministry in isolation or in a vacuum. He needs the active collaboration of the members of the parish.
Every priest brings his talents and personality to the parish. He is not exactly the same as his predecessor. Therefore, we should not expect him to lead in exactly the same way. Each new priest helps the parish to grow in a new way.
God continues to call men to enter the seminary and prepare for the priesthood. If you know someone who has some qualities that would be good for the priesthood, mention it to him. Your simple suggestion could be the spark that awakens God’s calling within him. Pray for our priests and give thanks to Gods for their priestly vocation.
Fr. Pierre
