This Sunday we celebrate Priesthood Sunday, a special day set aside to reflect upon and affirm the role of the priesthood in the life of the Church. On this day we are reminded in a special way that the priest is an instrument of Christ’s ministry on earth. It has been often said that without the priest there is no Eucharist. Without the Eucharist, there is no Church.
The faithful are invited by our bishops, Serra International, the Knights of Columbus, and other Catholic organizations to foster a greater awareness of vocations. We are encouraged to pray for future holy, happy, and healthy priests needed to serve the Church of tomorrow. Our bishops also encourage the faithful to pray for vocations to the diaconate, religious life, the married state, and single life, since we are all called to a life of holiness.
Jesus has challenged His priests to be His servants, and to serve the least of His people. Priests are encouraged to go forth with a true appreciation for Jesus and His ministry. They are challenged to shepherd the people entrusted to their care, and to be humble disciples truly willing to serve the Church and its mission.
In a recent address, as reported by the media outlet “Vatican News”, Pope Leo noted that the priesthood is a total gift of self to God and to the Church. He described the priest’s service as a “ministry of communion.” He told priests that they “are a channel, not a filter”, a call to keep the Church’s doors open, welcome all, and direct others to the Lord.
The following prayer called “Pope Benedict’s Prayer” from “Saint Michael Center for the Blessed Virgin Mary”, asks the Lord to guide and support our priests:
Lord Jesus Christ, eternal High Priest, you offered Yourself to the Father on the altar of the Cross and through the outpouring of the Holy Spirit gave your priestly people a share in Your redeeming sacrifice.
Hear our prayer for the sanctification of our priests. Grant that all who are ordained to the ministerial priesthood may be ever more conformed to You, the Divine Master. May they preach the Gospel with pure heart and clear conscience.
Let them be shepherds according to Your own Heart, single-minded in service to You and to the Church and shining examples of a holy, simple and joyful life.
Through the prayers of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Your Mother and ours, draw all priests and the flocks entrusted to their care to the fullness of eternal life where You live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.
As we reflect on this prayer and as we celebrate Priesthood Sunday, Monsignor Marren, Fr. Bill, Fr. Colin, and I appreciate the privilege and opportunity to celebrate Mass and to minister the sacraments to the people of Saint Brigid. We thank you for your continued support and prayers.