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. The day is coordinated by the USA Council of Serra International. In the midst of the recent clergy abuse scandals, it is easy to lose focus on the ministry of many priests who continue to faithfully serve the Church. On this day we are reminded in a special way that the priest in the 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 following “Prayer for Priests” provided by “Catholics Online” reflects the spirit of this day:
Divine Savior, Jesus Christ, who have entrusted Your work of redemption to the priests, who take Your place on Earth, I offer you through the hands of your most Holy Mother, for the sanctification of your priests and future priests this whole day, all my prayers, works, joys, sacrifices, and sufferings.
Give us saintly priests. Grant to them apostolic hearts, filled with love for You and all the souls belonging to You, so that, being themselves sanctified in You, they may sanctify us who are entrusted to their care and bring us safely into heaven.
Loving Jesus, bless all their priestly work and sacrifice. Bless all their prayers and words at the Altar and in the confessional, in the pulpit, in the school, and at the sickbed. Call many young men to the priesthood and the monastic life. Protect and sanctify all who will become Your priests. And grant to the souls of the priests who have departed this life, eternal rest.
And do you, Mary, Mother of all priests, take them under Your special protection and lead them ever to the highest priestly sanctity. Amen
As we reflect on this prayer, we are encouraged by the Serrans, the Knights of Columbus, and other Catholic organizations to foster a greater awareness of vocations. This vocation awareness can be fostered in many different ways; including through our prayers, and support of the Archbishop’s Annual Appeal. Through your generosity, Saint Brigid benefits directly from the Appeal because at this time we are blessed to have two men from our Parish studying for the priesthood. Our contributions to the Appeal provide funds that go directly to the training and support of future holy, happy, and healthy priests needed to serve the Church of tomorrow.
As we celebrate Priesthood Sunday, we as priests are reminded that it is a great privilege to celebrate the Mass and to minister the sacraments to the people of God. Fr. Michael, Fr. Bill, and I appreciate the opportunity to serve the people of Saint Brigid and thank you for your continued support and prayers.