1. I’m not a ‘saint’, maybe I am not holy enough to be a priest.
Some people think being a priest is about being removed from the world and distant from the lives of ordinary people. However when we look at the life of Jesus we see someone who lived, loved and shared his faith among all people. We can be as holy in life through our simple daily living as we can be if we retreat from the world altogether.
Holiness is about your relationship with God and living that relationship compassionately and faithfully in the world around you. It’s not just restricted to times of prayer, because God can be found in all the aspect of our life, even the messy parts! Being holy is about trying to be Christ – like in what we say and most importantly in what we do. We might not always get it right, but it’s about doing the best you can and being supported by our faith in God.
2. What is a Vocation?
In the simplest terms ‘vocation’ means a ‘call’. It’s about how God is calling you to live your life. We all have a vocation, in that we are all called by God to love Him and others as much as we love ourselves. Some are called to marriage, others to single life and some have a vocation to priestly and religious life.
We are told in Jn 10:10 that Jesus came that we “may have life and have it to the full”. God gives each one of us life, and in fulfilling his will we achieve the joy and happiness that only he can offer. Discovering what your vocation is one of your greatest undertakings. It is nothing less than discovering how God wants you to live and be in our world.
The words of Blessed John Henry Newman offer some insight into the role and importance of vocation in our lives:
God knows me and calls me by my name.…
God has created me to do Him some definite service;
He has committed some work to me
which He has not committed to another. (more…)
3. What does a Priest do?
The priest is called to live out the mission of Jesus through teaching and spreading the Good News, acting as a shepherd for the community he serves and celebrating the sacraments.
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The faithful expect only one thing from priests: that they be specialists in promoting the encounter between man and God. The priest is not asked to be an expert in economics, construction or politics. He is expected to be an expert in the spiritual life.” – Pope Benedict XVI, Warsaw – |
It is almost impossible to describe a typical day in the life of a priest. The role of a priest is to care for the community he serves and in responding to their needs every day is different. Some of the daily tasks of a priest include:
- Welcome children into the Church through Baptism
- Care for the elderly
- Celebrating Mass in the parish
- Visit schools
- Prepare couples planning to get married
- Spending time with those in need
- Working with youth clubs in the community
- Visit the sick in hospital
- Organise retreats for adult faith formation
- Get involved in local justice and peace issues
- Celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation
4. Could it be me?
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Whoever opens his heart to Christ will not only understand the mystery of his own existence, but also that of his own vocation; he will bear the abundant fruit of grace.” – Pope John Paul II – Message for the 42nd World Day of Prayer for Vocations |
The call to be a priest is not the most common way of life these days. In fact, it never has been! It is not for everyone. But it is for some people the way of life God intends for them to find fulfilment, inner peace and a way of serving others that is unique, challenging and exciting.
As you consider where God is calling you reflect on the following signs of a vocation to the priesthood. They are not a necessary checklist for a vocation, but may be simply indications that God is calling you to consider following Him in a special way. They include:
a. A persistent sense of call by God – a recurring belief that throughout a prolonged period in your life that God is inviting you to serve Him and His people as a priest.
b. The Love of God – a deep desire to devote your life in the service of God’s people.
c. Love of the Good News – an energy and genuine enthusiasm to share the Good News of the Gospel.
d. Love for the Church of Christ – a devotion to the traditions of our faith and a desire to celebrate the Sacraments.
e. A person of prayer – you have a devotion to the place of private, as well as community prayer in your life.
f. A heart that is open – a openness to journeying and supporting others, most especially those in need.
5. While you reflect on these answers here are some questions for you to reflect on:
- How have I experienced God’s love in my life?
- How do I celebrate my Catholic faith and participate in my parish?
- Does the message of the Gospel give me hope and strengthen my faith?
- How do I share my gifts with others?
- Do I want a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ?
- Do I like working with people and do I get along with men and women from all walks of life?
- Do I want to make a real difference in the lives of others?
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Among those totally dedicated to the service of the Gospel, are priests, called to preach the word of God, administer the sacraments, especially the Eucharist and Reconciliation, committed to helping the lowly, the sick, the suffering, the poor, and those who experience hardship in areas of the world where there are, at times, many who still have not had a real encounter with Jesus Christ.” – Pope Benedict XVI – Message for the 45th World Day of prayer for Vocations |