FROM THE PASTOR'S DESK

November has become “Vocation” awareness month. Vocations to priesthood, religious life and holy marriage. In my letter this weekend I want to focus on priesthood. Priesthood means many different things to many different people. Vatican Council II described the role of the priest as preaching the gospel, shepherding the faithful and celebrating the divine liturgies. The Council gave priority to the ministry of the Word, thus the liturgy is the primary importance of priesthood. As I spoke last week to students at mass, everything I do in my ministry circles back to the altar. The celebration of the Mass is my major purpose for being ordained, leading the people in the celebration of the Eucharist. The ordained priest is the public representative of the Church and has specific functions within the community in which he is assigned. Coming from Vatican II, the priestly roles can in a sense be seen also as roles for the laity. Each Catholic Christian is called to preach the Gospel, to care for others and come together about the altar of the Lord to participate in the liturgy of the Eucharist. The difference is that the laity works primarily in the secular world where all Christians are called to be disciples who follow and share in the ministry of Jesus. The priest works within the sacramental life of the Church. Since I was ordained in 1981 there has been a decline in the vocations to the priesthood. There are many reasons I believe that are causing that decline. There is a major loss in religiousness in the Western cultures, whether here in the United States or Europe, we are becoming secular societies. Our cultures are becoming more and more focused around wealth; houses, jobs, bank accounts. Throughout the world there is a lack of desire for long-term commitment. Divorce rates continue to rise, couples marry later and it’s harder for young people to make lifelong commitments. There is a decline in the respect given to celibacy, which today is seen more as a negative than as a positive. Many see sex as love, no commitment needed. My life as a parish priest is one of responsibility for baptisms, weddings, funerals, as well as Masses; administrative functions; confessions; having to drop everything and counsel someone in crisis, or to visit people in the hospital whenever someone falls ill (emergencies never come on a schedule). The responsibility of being on call constantly is something that some people may not know or appreciate about parish priests. Phones can ring every hour of the day or night. Last weekend I celebrated the wedding of one of my former theater students, also a former server. I have been a part of his life for at least 15 years. To see him grow in size, in knowledge, in spirituality and now to enter the sacrament of Holy Matrimony. This is one of the special parts of my priesthood. To walk the path of life with people, not just at the moment but throughout their daily lives. Please pray for our young people who are searching for their pathway in life, whether it be priesthood, religious life, married life or single life. May they open their heart to God’s grace and guidance. Tickets for our fall musical, “Into the Woods” November19, 20 (7pm) & 21 (2pm) are on sale now! Call the parish office or catch me after Mass.